When the NHS can't provide the treatment your partner needs to survive, how far would you go? Asta Pratapaviciene is raising £100,000 through her GoFundMe campaign, "You're My Only Hope," after her partner's brain cancer diagnosis exposed the limits of public healthcare. Donate here: https://gofund.me/c11576b0
Let's be honest. Most of us don't expect our love stories to come with words like "glioblastoma" or "a hundred thousand pounds in medical bills." But that's exactly where Asta Pratapaviciene found herself—when her partner, Raimondas, was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive brain cancers out there.
They were planning a future together. Then suddenly, it became a race against time... and money.
Now, Asta's trying to raise a hundred thousand pounds to get Raimondas the private treatment he needs—treatment that isn't available through the NHS.
The campaign's called "You're My Only Hope" on GoFundMe. And honestly? She's right. Crowdfunding might be the only hope for families in this situation.
Here’s what makes this all even harder. Glioblastoma doesn't just hit hard—it hits fast. In England, around fifteen thousand cases were recorded between 2013 and 2018. And yet? Only 29 percent of patients receive the full trio of treatment: surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. 21 percent don't get any treatment at all.
And if you're wondering about survival—most patients don't live past seven months. Even with aggressive care, you might stretch that to 16 months.
So imagine being told there is something more—a private option, a targeted therapy that could help—but it's completely out of reach financially. That's what Asta and Raimondas are facing.
Now, to be clear: the NHS does cover surgery, chemo, and radiotherapy. But once those are exhausted? That's often the end of the road. Access to clinical trials, newer drugs, or even just personalised treatment plans? Extremely limited.
And unless you can afford to go private—or abroad—you're stuck.
Asta and Raimondas aren't alone. Their story is painful, yes—but it's also very real for a growing number of patients who fall into the cracks between what the NHS can offer and what cutting-edge medicine could do.
So far, their GoFundMe has raised just over six thousand pounds from more than 160 donors. Every pound gets them closer to hope. But they're still a long way from the finish line.
If you've ever watched someone you love go through cancer, you already know how brutal it is. And if you haven't—well, maybe one day you'll need help too.
So if you've got even five quid to spare—or even just five seconds to share their story—show them they're not alone by clicking on the link in the description.
Because sometimes, love means asking for help. And sometimes, helping is love. Asta Pratapaviciene City: Basildon Address: 28 Gilbert Drive Website: https://gofund.me/c11576b0 Email: asta72922@gmail.com