We recently welcomed Jez and Kate Bridges to the lab. We happened to notice their Ocular Melanoma UK t-shirts while their son was setting off on The Run For Dad, a 155km, three-ultramarathon, three-day challenge in support of Jez, and got chatting. We invited them in and showed them around our research facilities.
Jez was diagnosed with uveal melanoma, a rare cancer affecting around six people in a million each year, after it was picked up during a routine eye examination. He underwent proton beam radiotherapy in September 2025 and the family were hopeful, but an MRI scan in March 2026 revealed the cancer had spread to his liver, becoming terminal stage 4 disease.
We showed Jez and Kate the current research under way in Liverpool, using samples from patients treated at the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre and studied here at LOORG.
Jez, Kate and their four children are now raising funds for chemosaturation, a specialised treatment delivered directly to the liver. It is not a cure, but has shown promise in controlling the disease and could give Jez more time with his family. Treatment requires four to five rounds at around £40,000 each, roughly £200,000 in total, and the fundraiser has so far raised over £74,000 from more than 1,290 donations.
We were glad to meet Jez and Kate and to show them the research their community's support helps drive forward. If you are able to, please consider donating to their fundraiser.