JAMES Baker and his family are overwhelmed a campaign to fund treatment for his terminal cancer has reached the £22,000 mark.

The money has been pouring in from hundreds around the world since the 26-year-old-year made an impassioned plea to help his mum Val with the £30,000 medical bills in Germany to try and slow the inoperable disease from spreading. 

“I can't tell you how thankful I am," said James, who lives in Westlea.

"I genuinely aimed at about £3,000 to £4,000 but to get to where we are now, and there are still people holding events and people donating, is just amazing.

“My treatment is going really well and I had some positive results back from a test we sent off from before we came out here. Luckily all the treatments they are doing out here all showed positive results on my actual cancer in a lab."

The popular former Swindon College student, who was first diagnosed with cancer in 2014, is hoping it will be the breakthrough he needs to prolong his life.

His sister Katrina told the Adver: “Mum and James cannot even comprehend all the support, events and messages everyone has sent.

"Just talking to mum about it now has brought tears to her eyes, to see all the love for him is so emotional.”

Nationwide employees from Pegasus House, where Katrina works, have also been fundraising by having dress-down days and doing car washes.

Meanwhile Andy Hill, who owns The Window Centre in South Marston, is offering the chance to win and have fitted a white UPVC front or back door by his company.

James worked for the business a few years ago and Andy has nothing but praise for him.

“I just thought it was a good way to help James,” he said. “The more awareness we can get for him, the better.

“I rang him and asked him if we could do it and he was buzzing and really happy.”

Andy is inviting people to send a cheque to the company’s address for £20 made payable to James to be in with a chance to scoop the prize. It is hoped James will do the draw to find the winning ticket.

“We are just trying to do our bit for him. Any amount will make a different,” added Andy, who lives in Moredon.

“He’s so positive, the most positive person I have ever met. He’s sure he is going to get better and he is such a fighter.”

Also rallying round to help bring more donations in is Rich Franklin, of Woodhill Park. He grew up with James and next month is organising a charity trampolining session at the Link Centre which will cost £10 for a one hour session.

“Everyone can come and we have capacity for 90 per session,” said the 30-year-old GLL sales manager.

"There is potential, if we max out, to raise more than £1,500. It is realistic and would be amazing.

“We want to help and support James’ family as they are going through a tough time.

“I can’t put it into words what it’s been like, but it’s not nice for anyone and we are all thinking of the family.”

The trampolining slots will be on Saturday, October 8 from 7am to 8am and 8am to 9am. Anyone wanting to take part should book in advance by emailing Rich on richard.franklin@gll.org

To donate towards James' fundraising page go to: gofundme.com/bakemanalternative 

Read our previous article on James here.