Hundreds of ex pupils help teacher with cancer op he had to pay for out of own pocket due to Covid-19 cancellation

Hundreds of former pupils of a much-loved art teacher have contributed to a fundraising drive to help cover the cost of his cancer treatment.
John Price on his way back to Northern IrelandJohn Price on his way back to Northern Ireland
John Price on his way back to Northern Ireland

John Price, former head of art at St Louise’s Comprehensive in Belfast had to lend £50,000 to pay for a recent operation in London which should have been carried out routinely in Northern Ireland but was cancelled due to Covid-19.

In just over two weeks close to £20,000 has been raised to help the 69-year-old from Lisburn pay back his debts.

He was diagnosed with oral cancer after a routine trip to the dentist revealed an unusual growth.

Artist John Price had to pay for his own operation in LondonArtist John Price had to pay for his own operation in London
Artist John Price had to pay for his own operation in London

He learned he had an advanced, aggressive tumour and that he would need to have an immediate jaw removal and reconstruction.

However, days later the offer of surgery and reconstruction was withdrawn due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He was told that the only option was for the jaw, with the tumour, to be removed, without reconstruction.

John said he was told his “jaw would just be left hanging” and was not provided with any indication of when this would be carried out, despite the aggressive nature of the tumour.

John said he had no alternative but to borrow £50,000 to fund a private operation in London, which was carried out around two weeks ago.

He initially tried to remortgage his house to fund the treatment but this could not be done as no valuations were taking place during lockdown.

Instead John was forced to borrow the money from family and friends in a matter of days so that the life-saving surgery could be carried out.

To help John pay off his debts a fundraising campaign was set up two weeks ago.

Mark Hewitt, one of the organisers of the Go Fund Me campaign, said: “John worked his whole life, contributing to the NHS. When he needed it most, he found that it had been irreparably damaged and was unable to provide him with the care he needed.

“John is 69 and is retired. He has just been through life saving surgery. He shouldn’t be left with these debts hanging over him.”

Barbara Muldoon, another organiser said hundreds of former pupils of St Louise’s have contributed: “Some of the amounts have been quite modest and we have received so many private messages from people, apologising that they can’t afford more and explaining that they have no income and no savings due to the current economic situation.

“It is amazing that even in their own difficult circumstances, they have still stretched themselves to do everything to try to help ‘Mr Price’.”

John is due to return to NI this week after the op in London. He said he is incredibly moved and humbled by the support.

People wishing to donate can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/weh8m-for-john

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