Two big fundraising gigs have been organised for York rocker Don Jackson – as he faces more health challenges awaiting a life-saving transplant in Turkey.
As YorkMix revealed on 4 February, Don was denied a liver transplant by the NHS, even though his nephew Jack had volunteered to be a donor. So his friends rallied round to launch a fundraiser to pay for him to get the treatment in Turkey.
Since then, the fundraising total has gone past the halfway mark towards an £80K target. Both Don and Jack are now in Turkey.
But they have been hit with a serious setback. Doctors there discovered Don has cancerous tumours in both his oesophagus and neck that must be addressed before transplant surgery, further delaying the life saving treatment.
“As you can imagine, this was another devastating and heart-breaking blow to Don (and his partner and kids who are now with him) after everything he has already endured,” said friend Dave Sollitt.
“Given the presence of these growths, the doctors confirmed that the transplant could not proceed at this stage, as it would very likely be fatal.”
Doctors have started a six-week programme of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to deal with the oesophagus/neck tumours, which are apparently at an early stage.
He is also getting injections into his liver, which will hopefully shrink the lesions. That may give him a second chance at a transplant on the NHS, as doctors here cancelled the surgery due to the size of the lesions.
Dave says there has been some positive progress on both fronts.
Two big fundraisers
Back here in York, two more big fundraising shows have been organised to push towards the £80K target.
There’ll be a fundraising event held on Thursday (9 March) at The Crescent, starting at 7pm.
Harking back to Don’s days as a rocker, there’ll be live music throughout the night, and tickets are only £11 each.
Tickets will also be available on the door, although these will cost more. There’ll be raffle events, prizes and good times all round, all in aid of the fundraising campaign. You can buy your tickets here.
Another fundraising gig, held at York Vaults on Nunnery Lane on Sunday, 19 March, kicks off at 1.30pm. Entry is free, but staff members will be passing round donation buckets.
Lots of bands and artists are playing at the event. They have all volunteered, citing their respect and admiration of Don Jackson as their reason for attending.
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