Colchester: Fat Cat pub to host fundraiser for Sam Gilbert

Sam Gilbert, 42, of Great Baddow, is husband to Gemma, 41, and father to Leo,12, and Amber, nine.

He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April, which has spread to his liver, chest and abdomen.

Determined - Sam Gilbert (Image: Sam Gilbert) He is currently under the care of St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, and is set to undergo his tenth round of chemotherapy while exploring his options with medical experts.

His condition is incurable but manageable with the right medication.

Sam has set up a GofundMe page to help pay for medication called Avastin which is unavailable on the NHS and costs about £5,000 per month, and to pay for other costs relating to his treatment.

Sam grew up alongside his childhood friends, Alexa Keatley, 42, and her brother James Keatley, 44, who now own the Fat Cat pub, in Butt Road, Colchester.

Pub - The Fat Cat (Image: Public) The trio went to Ingrave Johnstone Primary School in Brentwood.

Although Sam left the school when he was nine, and the friends do not live close to each to other, Sam and Alexa reconnected years later through social media.

To support Sam and raise funds for his cancer battle, the Fat Cat pub is hosting a fundraiser on November 23.

There will be live music, a raffle, and more, with all money raised on the night going towards Sam’s medical bills.

Sam said: “It has been mind-blowing all the support I have had.

“I am eternally grateful to anyone who has done anything for me.

Event - the poster for the fundraiser (Image: Public) “Alexa and James are from my childhood. It brings back good memories - their whole family has been great.

“Hopefully, I will be able to attend if my chemo regime permits.

“It has given me something to look forward, rather than just hospital trips.

"It has raised my spirits. It’s great to see musicians taking time out to help me."

Alexa can fondly remember Sam from primary school, with his blond hair and blue eyes, claiming he was the “girls’ class crush”.

The Fat Cat owners - James and Alexa Keatley (Image: Public) Sam played football with James in the school team and for youth football team the Great Danes.

Alexa said: “To be able to raise money for Sam means so much, maybe because the memories growing up were about the village, school and looking out for one another, family and friends.

“Sam’s diagnosis is shocking especially at the age of 42 years old.

“He’s a young man who has been living a healthy, active and successful life. He’s a family man and creative.

“My brother and I have a pub here and we want to do this for our friend.

“It fills me with absolute joy that friends both in Colchester and Kent can come together with their talent to play music, which will include hits from the Eighties and Nineties, a backdrop to our youth.

“GoFundMe has enabled us to help one another, no matter how near or far.”

To donate to the Fat Cat fundraiser, visit gofundme.com/f/sam-gilberts-medical-fundraiser.