A TERMINALLY ill 26-year-old is refusing to give up his fight for life and has travelled 600 miles to Germany for alternative cancer treatment.

James Baker made the 11 hour journey by car to Laatzen on Sunday where medics will now spend almost a month trying to slow the cancer from spreading further – at a cost of £30,000.

The popular former Swindon College student is hoping it will be the glimmer of hope and breakthrough he and his family desperately need to prolong his life against the inoperable disease.

His girlfriend of three years, Amber Ingram, 22, said: "He is the most positive and strongest person I have ever met."

James, who lives in Moresby Street in Westlea, was first diagnosed with testicular cancer two years ago, the day before his 24th birthday.

He underwent three operations, as well as chemotherapy before getting the all-clear, but the cancer later returned to his lungs, chest and stomach.

While on a trip to Wales he also had a seizure which caused him to nearly lose his eyesight and he woke up briefly thinking it was 1996.

Doctors then confirmed the devastating news that his cancer had spread to his brain and that it is so rare they only get a case like his once a year.

"I also had a high dose of chemo which was so strong it put me into cardiac arrest," said James, who had to learn to walk again because of the seizure.

"They had to put an adrenalin injection in my leg to start my heart again."

But his courage and tenacity has not gone unnoticed by his devoted family, friends and girlfriend.

Amber said: “James has had a smile on his face throughout the whole process.

“Everyone who knows him will say how amazing he is and has been.

“It has been hard and exhausting for myself, his mum Val, brother Phil, sister Katrina and his brother’s fiancé Kayleigh.

“A lot of nights were spent by his hospital bedside, but seeing him still smile every day through everything he is going through makes all the effort and heartache worth it."

Doctors have explored all options, including more chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the cancer is not responding to anything so far which is why James researched and has resorted to trying alternative treatment abroad. His dad Anthony and grandfather both died from cancer.

To cover the £30,000 costs, James has set up a fundraising page to help his mum Val, 56, with the payment as she has been off work to be by his side.

Within hours of the online campaign being launched, £5,000 had been donated. The total now stands at £14,350 thanks to more than 600 people.

Amber added: “I think I can say on behalf of the family the fundraising has been absolutely overwhelming - happy tears for once - at the amount of support and generosity he has received, even from people who don't know him directly."

To donate go to: gofundme.com/bakemanalternative

  • Friends join forces to raise funds

PALS of James Baker are rallying around to organise events and help raise the £30,000 he needs for his specialist cancer treatment.

The first event will take place at restaurant Bottelino’s in Penzance Drive from 7pm on Friday, September 23 and there will be drinks, an Italian buffet, DJ and raffle.

All proceeds from the tickets, which cost £5 each, and additional money raised on the night will go towards James’ funds.

His close friend Luke Jacobs, 23, managing director of Bottelino’s, is organising the event with his twin Scott.

He said: “I’ve known James for years. I don’t know anyone stronger than him. He makes everyone so proud and he is always positive and never negative.

“If anyone can beat it he can and we don’t want him to do it alone.”

Meanwhile, boxer Luke Watkins, another close friend of former Greendown student James, and his trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick are planning a series of fundraisers.

One of the events will be a sparring day at Paddy’s Ferndown Road gym where members of the public will be able to get into the ring with Luke and stablemate Sam Smith.

Paddy would also like to plan a Rocky-style run through Swindon as they look to do what they can to support the family through the difficult time. Times and dates are to be confirmed in due course.

“I don’t know the man personally but Luke is very close friends with him and I am amazed by the posts I have been reading from James, how strong he is,” said Paddy.

“It is humbling when you listen to what they are going through and how they handle it. We just want to do our bit to support him and his family.”