'We are so emotionally overwhelmed, humbled and blessed by your kindness'
A Baptist minister who is fundraising for life-extending cancer treatment not available on the NHS meets initial £50,000 target in just one week - and can now book the first of three treatments
Allan Finnegan, 57 and minister of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Netherton, revealed he was diagnosed with ocular melanoma two years ago. Although treated successfully at the time, it subsequently metastasised into his liver and unfortunately is incurable.
He has been given 12 months - but this could be extended by receiving Chemosaturation Therapy, directly to the liver.
The treatment costs £50,000 per dose and Allan has been advised that he’ll need at least three doses.
Allan - also a comedian who reached the semi final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2020 - set up a GoFundMe page, explaining the treatment could ‘give me some valuable time with my family, friends and new 3 month old grandson, Albie.’
And within a week the £50,000 needed for the first dose had been reached.
‘As a family we are completely blown away by the love and support we have received from you all over the past few weeks,’ Allan said on his Facebook page. ‘Particularly since setting up our GoFundMe page. You have all been so kind and generous at a time when money is tight for everyone.
‘We are so emotionally overwhelmed, humbled and blessed by your kindness.
‘We reached our first goal in less than a week, thanks to your generosity and support.
‘I can now book the first treatment and we are starting to collect towards the second round of treatment and have reset out target to £100K.
‘We are thankful and humbled as a family.’
Allan explained family and friends are planning other fundraising events. These include two nights at the Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool.
In a social media post, the club said all proceeds would go to Allan’s treatment.
‘We've got Paul Smith, Troy Hawke, Adam Rowe, Jamie Hutchinson, and more hilarious acts lined up to raise some serious funds for our mate Allan Finnegan.
‘He's not just any comedian; he's a BGT star and a baptist minister with a heart of gold. Allan's battling Ocular Melanoma turned liver metastasis, and now he's got just 12 months to live.
‘But hold on tight, because there's hope! With your help, we can get him the Chemosaturation Therapy he needs to keep on laughing and making memories with his loved ones, including his adorable 3-month-old grandson. So grab your tickets, bring your mates, and let's show Allan some love while having a giggle.’
Due to his stint on Britain’s Got Talent, Allan's story has featured in many news outlets, including this piece in the Liverpool Echo which explains more.
Social media posts have shown the esteem in which he’s held locally. He has been minister at Emmanuel since 2005, with the church supported by Home Mission funding. Allan has been reporting baptisms regularly for the Baptist Times News Round-up email, particularly in recent years. In 2021 the church opened a community grocery in partnership with the Message Trust.
‘He selflessly and tirelessly serves his community in a deprived area of Liverpool,’ friend Tamarin Foy told The Baptist Times.
Image | Britain's Got Talent
Baptist Times, 09/02/2024