A PUB chef feels "overwhelmed" after punters rallied to raise money for his wedding following his cancer diagnosis.
Jose Chamizo Alcaide from Bracknell recently stopped working at The Old Hatchet in Windsor after feeling unwell and experiencing sharp pains in his chest.
Physicians suggested his condition could be pneumonia but a few weeks later and Jose was diagnosed with Aggressive Metastatic Melanoma, cancer which has spread to his spine, his lungs and his brain.
The pub community has appealed to the public's help in raising £25,000 through a GoFundMe page so Jose can marry his fiancée Kim in time before his condition gets worse.
The 36-year-old also feels financial pressure after being put on furlough due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions closing pubs.
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Jose said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed with the page and the donations, I couldn't be more grateful to all of them.
"Covid has impacted my life as I was put on furlough, so it has been difficult of course. Now after been diagnosed with cancer I can't waste no time and I'd love to marry Kim as we always wanted.
"Kim and I have been engaged for nearly three years now and, we haven't been able to get married but we would love to be able to.
So far, residents in Bracknell have raised £6,370 to help Jose marry 42-year-old Kim.
Camille Keep organised the fundraiser for Jose, writing: "Jose is merely 36 years of age. Despite his diagnosis, Jose remains positive and has great plans ahead including marrying his fiance and bride to be Kim in the very near future, as well as to see his parents who are in Spain and he has been unable to see for some time due to financial constraints and travel restrictions in place during the pandemic.
"He is adored by his wife to be, his family, his work family and friends, many of our locals and so many members of the community who have come to know Jose over the years. We know that many will want to help.
"Friends, colleagues, family, if you may be able to afford to help Jose and Kim in any way, please do. Every little bit helps in being able to manage their so very sudden new life situation, loss of income, costs of medical care and well-being, increased costs of day to day travel, being able to afford a wedding and to spend some time with Jose’s family.
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"Let’s help to lift their financial strain so Jose and Kim can focus on Jose’s health and their happiness as a family."
Jose thanked Camille and Richard and punters at the Old Hatchet pub for helping them towards their fundraising goal.
Adding: "Thanks to Camille and Richard, and the old hatchet for wanting us to celebrate our wedding with them.
"It's a special place for us, Kim and I met there, and got uncountable moments and memories from this place so we're delighted.
Visit: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/please-help-jose-kim to donate.
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