Words by Smiley Team
An antique shop owner dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis has been blown away by the generosity and fundraising efforts of strangers.
When Steve Philbey, aged 41, received the devastating news that his bowel cancer had become terminal, his best friend insisted on intervening to make Steve’s remaining time the best it could be.
Steve regrettably does not have any life insurance and is self-employed. His income is the sole income for his family, including his beloved wife Hayley and their three children, aged 12, 10 and six.
Despite Steve and Hayley expressing their discomfort with the idea of receiving charity from strangers, Danny Wood set up a fundraising page, so Steve could focus on spending time with his family and friends, and not worry about money or the future fate of his loved ones.
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Writing on GoFundMe, Dan said: “Having known Steve nearly all my life he is the first person to put his hand in his pocket to help someone. Now it's his time to get some help. Thank you so much for reading this post and please feel free to share. Your love and support is much appreciated.”
So far, more than £60,000 has been raised to support Steve in his time of need. Additionally, Steve is desperately trying to sell the items in his antique shop in Hastings.
Writing on the Instagram page for his business, Antiques on Sea, Steve wrote: “My head is a complete mess and I need your help. I have a shop full of stock that needs to be sold this weekend and I’m calling on everyone I know both public, trade and friends to come to the shop and buy things.”
Two days later, he posted: “I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I am at the amount of love and support you are all showing me and my family right now. Thank you so much.
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“The GoFundMe page that was set up by my friend Danny was not something I was very keen on to be honest, but I realise how many people wanted to help and how much it will help my beautiful wife and our wonderful children, so for that again I thank you all. It really does go to show that in this trade and in this world there really are lots of genuine people who care and this makes me smile so much.”
“I will be there at the shop on Saturday for what will be a long tiring and emotional day saying goodbye to my business my shop (my second home) and also to some fantastic beautiful people. Thank you for being there.”
You can donate to Steve’s terminal cancer fund here.
