For five years, Josh Patterson had worked to build a thriving local lawn care and maintenance business, when news came that no-one is ever ready for.

“I was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera, a rare cancer,” said Josh, who went to see a doctor after a pain in his legs became unbearable.

“I couldn't move anymore. I couldn't walk. My legs were really aching and then I had a lot of pain right down into my feet. I went to see a doctor about it and she sent me straight down to hospital, then I had a blood test and I was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera…

“It was the end of my world. I've got three kids under 5, and I want to be there to make sure my kids have a good upbringing. They kind of need me for a little while and I want to be there for them.”

Polycythaemia vera causes the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells, thickening the blood, which can lead to clots and other serious conditions.

Josh has spent the past year getting regular treatment including chemotherapy, which has seen him lose a substantial amount of weight and he is still not able to return to his business — Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance.

“I can't really bend over and I can't walk long distances… It’s hard for my kids too, because I can't pick them and play with them like I used to,” he said.

Josh and his partner have been in touch with a doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, about taking part in a potentially lifesaving clinical trial.

But getting there and taking part in the trial is not cheap.

Josh has set up a GoFundMe page, appealing for any assistance to help him cover the costs of his medical treatment and travel to the United States.

You can find details of Josh’s appeal at www.gofundme.com