The family of a “kind and compassionate” man who has been given 18 months to live is hoping to raise £60,000 for stem cell treatment and extend his life.

Stephen Pearson, 66, from north Watford, was originally diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2022 and had an operation to remove part of his lung which he was told could be cured.

Today his daughter Callina, 33, told the Watford Observer of their complete shock after the disease returned in November 2023, with doctors giving the devastating news that it was now stage three cancer.

Undergoing chemotherapy would mean he is likely to survive for up to 18 months, but by paying for Dendritic cell Therapy (DCT) and Umbilical Cord Blood Cytokine Induced Killer Cells (UCB CIK) he has a chance of extending his life beyond the 18 months.

Watford Observer: Watford dad Stephen is battling stage three lung cancer.Watford dad Stephen is battling stage three lung cancer. (Image: Callina Pearson)

“When we found out that the cancer is back, obviously we were all deeply hurt and upset,” she said. “We’re extremely concerned for him and I'm worried about what the future holds.”

Callina has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for additional advanced immunotherapy treatments which should help his first round of chemotherapy.

Since the page was launched over the weekend, it has already raised more than £3,000 of its £60,000 target from 69 donations.

Watford Observer: His daughter Callina has launched a fundraiser to pay for advanced stem cell treatments.His daughter Callina has launched a fundraiser to pay for advanced stem cell treatments. (Image: Callina Pearson)

She said: “It gives your body every fighting chance for the chemotherapy to be as successful as possible.

“We understand that he might not have forever, but the whole thing right now is trying to give him as prolonged and pain-free life as possible.”

Although he was born in Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, Stephen grew up in Lancashire and has lived in Watford for the last 40 years.

Watford Observer: His daughter said he is a “kind, compassionate and supportive” dad who really cares for people.His daughter said he is a “kind, compassionate and supportive” dad who really cares for people. (Image: Callina Pearson)

His daughter said he is a “kind, compassionate and supportive” dad who loves playing golf, darts and bowls, and is a member of the North Watford Bowls Club in Ashby Road.

He has worked as a salesman and entrepreneur in different business ventures throughout his life, including creating bespoke PPE packs during the Covid pandemic.

Watford Observer: Stephen Pearson (2nd from L) with his family.Stephen Pearson (2nd from L) with his family. (Image: Callina Pearson)

Stephen has previously had radiotherapy for his cancer which did alleviate the pain, but has now been told he cannot receive anymore of this treatment as it would be ineffective against the disease.

His family hopes instead to pay for Dendritic cell Therapy (DCT) and Umbilical Cord Blood Cytokine Induced Killer Cells (UCB CIK) at a clinic in south London which would complement his chemotherapy.

The advanced treatment uses blood from the patient to create a bespoke cell vaccine which boosts the body's own immune system and gives them a better chance of fighting off the disease.

He would receive the personalised vaccine over a six-month period, as well as “round the clock” nutritional and emotional support and physiotherapy.

You can donate to the fundraiser on Stephen's GoFundMe page here.