Colchester: Fat Cat pub hosts fundraiser for Sam Gilbert

The owners of The Fat Cat pub, in Butt Road, Alexa Keatley, 42, and brother James Keatley, 44, have hosted a night of live music last Saturday in effort to raise funds for their friend Sam Gilbert.

Sam, 42, who gre up in Burnham, is husband to Gemma, 41, and father to Leo,12, and Amber, nine.

He previously spoke to The Gazette about how “grateful” he was for all the support from his friends after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in April, which had spread to his liver, chest, and abdomen.

Strong - Family man Sam Gilbert and his daughter Amber Gilbert (Image: Sam Gilbert) Sam 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 grew up alongside his childhood friends, Alexa, and James, as the trio went to Ingrave Johnstone Primary School in Brentwood.

The Fat Cat pub owners wanted to help raise funds for Sam to help pay his medical bills.

Venue - The Fat Cat pub (Image: Public) On the night, there was live music from the band Thomas O’Mally who came all the way from Whitstable in Kent, and solo artist Rogue.

There was also a raffle, and the event raised £875 for Sam.

The father of two wanted to attend the fundraiser but was unable to as he was recovering from a recent round of chemotherapy.

Alexa Keatley said: “All involved were delighted to raise £875 from our fundraiser.

Band - Matthew Charles Knight and Thomas Horne as the band Thomas O'Mally (Image: Public) Singer - Roque Segade Vieito as Rogue (Image: Public) Event - the crowd enjoying the night (Image: Public) “I would say 80 people attended our event all with love, compassion and great generosity for Sam’s fundraiser.

“There wasn’t a customer that didn’t whole heartedly get involved with our fundraiser and it was a wonderful evening, supported by talented musicians.”

Sam has already 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.

The Fat Cat pub is hoping to put on another event next year to help Sam.

Alexa said: “After a successful night we are looking forward and working towards putting on a mini festival in the garden of our Ipswich Fat Cat pub next year.

“We intend to organise a coach for our customers in Colchester and so that they don’t miss out.

“We want to achieve an afternoon and evening with live music…who knows maybe Ed Sheeran will hear about our fundraiser and pop in.”

Speaking about how touched he was, Sam said: "I’m delighted and overwhelmed at the fundraising efforts of James, Alexa and everyone at The Fat Cat.

"Massive thank you to everyone who donated, supported and attended, especially the musicians & the Keatley family."