Highland Family Raises £40,000 for Vital Cancer Surgery in a Week

A remarkable fundraising effort by a family from Cannich has successfully raised £40,000 in just one week to secure life-prolonging surgery for 55-year-old Michael Jepson. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, Michael’s situation became critical after a recent scan revealed the regrowth of a previously removed tumour.

Michael Jepson underwent an eight-hour surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in early 2023, during which doctors removed a large cyst and tumour from his frontal lobe. Despite this, a biopsy indicated that he had developed an advanced stage of cancer. Following the operation, he faced an arduous treatment regimen that included 60 rounds of combined radio and chemotherapy, along with an additional six months of chemotherapy.

Despite the extensive treatment, a scan just before Christmas 2023 confirmed that the tumour had returned. Unfortunately, the National Health Service (NHS) deemed the new growth inoperable. In a determined effort to find alternatives, the Jepson family discovered a surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in London who could potentially remove the visible portion of the tumour, extending Michael’s life.

The cost for the surgery and related expenses was set at £40,000, a target that needed to be met within a week. An online fundraiser was launched shortly after the New Year, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. By the end of the fundraising period, the total on the GoFundMe website reached £37,825. In a generous gesture, the Inverness-based charity Heather’s Heroes contributed an additional £5,000, bringing the total to just over £40,000.

Founded in memory of Heather Dallas, who passed away from cancer in 2024, Heather’s Heroes provides essential support and resources to families dealing with cancer. The fundraiser garnered over 700 individual donations, including several anonymous contributions of £1,000 or more. The community also rallied around the cause, with local events such as a bake sale at Cannich Bridge Primary School contributing £71 to the total.

The speed and scale of the fundraising efforts have left the Jepson family both stunned and grateful. Michael’s wife, Lisa, expressed their shock and joy, stating, “We’re absolutely over the moon. In shock actually, but in a good way. We have always known we had a good community around us, but it’s January, just after Christmas. Times are tough for everyone, and we honestly thought we might not make it.”

As the family prepares for the next steps, attention now turns to arranging the surgery, travel, and accommodation. The surgeon indicated that the operation could take place as soon as possible, depending on scheduling. Lisa noted, “Their diary may have changed since we started fundraising, but we are hopeful it will be organized quickly so we can arrange flights and everything else.”

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who donated, particularly acknowledging the efforts of family friend Laura Black and her sister Emma. They organized a fundraising raffle featuring prizes from local businesses and helped promote the cause during a regular quiz night at the Loch Ness Inn in Drumnadrochit. Lisa remarked on the impact of their efforts, saying, “It’s absolutely mind-blowing what they have done.”

With the community’s support, the Jepson family now looks forward to the possibility of Michael receiving the critical surgery that could prolong his life.