Fundraiser for Lancaster graduate with terminal cancer reaches £150k goal in under a week

A fundraiser for a Lancaster graduate who has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer has passed its £150,000 goal in less than a week.

The fundraiser was made by friends of Alexandra Angeles Caycho, who earned her first class degree in fine art and design from Lancaster University in July, so she can travel home to Peru to spend time with her family as her final wish.

The goal was set so Alex can travel by air ambulance, which her friends and family say has been recommended to them as the safest and most comfortable travel option for her considering her medical needs.

The fundraiser was shared across social media and Alex’s friends began a campaign to “turn Instagram purple,” sharing a graphic titled “help Alex get home” across popular Instagram accounts in order to spread awareness about their efforts.

Via @pancanat20 on Instagram

The GoFundMe page has seen 7000 donations, and currently the money raised sits at £157,324.

On Thursday 29th August, Katie Cherry, Alex’s friend and the funraiser’s organiser, announced that the goal had been reached, saying: “words cannot fully express how much this means to me and our family.”

“Your donations, shares and messages of support have given us not only the financial assistance we so desperately needed but also the strength and hope to keep moving forward during this challenging time. Every contribution, no matter the size, has made a difference, and we are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and even strangers who believe in our cause.”

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“This journey has been difficult, but knowing we have such a strong community standing behind us makes it so much easier to face the challenges ahead. Your support has lifted a trememdous burden off our shoulders, and we can now focus on what truly matters, all thanks to you.”

Via @pancanat20 on Instagram

Alex was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer on 17th March 2023, at just 20 years old.

Now 21, after substantial chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, she has been told that her cancer is continuing to spread and nothing more can be done to treat it. She has been given a timeframe of days to weeks by her doctors.

Alex wrote on her GoFundMe page about her wish to return to Peru to be with her family, saying that she “can’t imagine being anywhere else in these final days.”

She appeared on ITV News, where she spoke about her illness and the fundraiser. She said: “going to Peru is everything for me…my spirit is gonna fight until I get to Peru. I’m not leaving until I get to Peru.”

Katie said in an update on the GoFundMe page that any additional donations after the £150k goal will go towards GoFundMe fees, future unexpected costs, funeral costs and ensuring Alex’s comfort while journeying to and staying in Peru.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you,” Katie said, “we are eternally greatful for each and every one of you.”

Alex’s GoFundMe can be found here.

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• Fundraiser for recent Lancaster graduate with terminal cancer raises £16k in under 24 hours
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Featured images via @pancanat20 on Instagram