Crowdfunding for treatment

Some people living with metastatic ocular melanoma may decide to crowdfund to access treatment when NHS options are not available in the timeframe they need. This is often a difficult and emotional step, taken alongside complex clinical decisions.

We have created this guidance to help you build a crowdfunding page that is clear, credible, and easy for others to support.

As a charity, we recognise this situation is not ideal. While we continue to campaign for effective treatments to be available on the NHS, we felt it was important to provide this guidance in the meantime.

Setting up a crowdfunding page can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with the impact of metastatic ocular melanoma.

There is no single right way to do this. What matters most is being clear, honest and human in how you tell your story. Including photos and videos make your page feel personal and real, and can also help people connect and understand who they are supporting.

The guidance below brings together common elements from successful fundraising pages, helping you explain your situation, build trust with supporters, and feel more confident in asking for help.

Tips for creating your page

Click each section below for practical tips on building your page.

Start with the person

Begin with who the person is, not just their diagnosis. Help people understand their life, their relationships, and what matters to them day to day. This creates a human connection and helps supporters feel more confident in giving. Writing in the third person, or from the perspective of a friend or loved one, can help the page feel more personal and relatable.

You might include:

  • a short introduction, name, age, family or work
  • what they enjoy or value in life
  • what people close to them would say about them

A strong opening helps people understand why this matters now.

Explain the diagnosis

Use simple, clear language to explain ocular melanoma and what has changed. You do not need to include detailed medical terminology.

It can help to explain:

  • when the diagnosis was first made
  • what treatment has already happened
  • that the cancer has spread, often to the liver
  • why this stage can limit treatment options

Keep it honest, but easy to follow.

Explain the treatment

Set out what treatment is being considered and why.

You may want to explain:

  • that the treatment has been recommended by a specialist team
  • why it is being considered now
  • what it may offer, such as disease control or more time

This helps people understand that this is a considered treatment decision, made with specialist guidance.

Explain the costs clearly

Be open about what you are raising money for and how the total has been worked out. Transparency builds trust and helps people feel comfortable supporting you.

You might include:

  • the estimated cost per treatment or cycle
  • how many treatments may be needed
  • additional costs such as travel, accommodation, or scans

If the total may change, it is fine to say this.

Be honest about uncertainty

It is important to be hopeful, but also realistic. Different treatments offer different outcomes, and these can vary from person to person.

You could explain:

  • that outcomes are not guaranteed
  • that the aim may be to control disease or gain more time
  • that decisions are being made carefully with clinical guidance

Clear, balanced language helps build trust.

Share what support will do

Help people understand the difference their support will make. This often encourages people to give or share your page.

You might describe:

  • how donations will help access treatment without delay
  • what this could mean for time with family
  • how it will ease practical or financial pressure

Keep this grounded and meaningful.

Include a fallback statement

A short statement about how funds will be used if circumstances change provides reassurance.

Should other promising treatment options become available for [NAME], this fundraising will also help support those opportunities. However, if their situation changes, these funds will be used to support [NAME] and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

This helps people feel confident that their donation will still be used responsibly and that it will benefit the person and their family, whatever happens.

Keep people updated

Regular updates help people feel connected and involved. They also encourage continued support and sharing.

You might share:

  • treatment milestones or appointments
  • how the person is doing
  • progress towards the fundraising goal
  • messages of thanks

Updates do not need to be long, just clear and regular.

Your network matters

Most people are only a few connections away from someone who may be able to help. Do not be afraid to reach out.

Sharing your page through your wider network can make a real difference. Friends, colleagues, community groups and professional networks can all help extend your reach beyond immediate circles.

Even a single share can lead to new support.

Share with everyone

Once your page is live, sharing it widely is one of the most important steps you can take.

You might consider:

  • sharing on social media, including local groups and community pages
  • asking friends and family to share with their own networks
  • reaching out to workplaces, schools, or clubs
  • contacting radio, media or community newsletters

Not everyone will be able to donate, but many people will be willing to share.

We are here to help

Setting up a crowdfunding page can raise questions, especially when you are also navigating treatment decisions.

Ocular Melanoma UK can offer guidance, help you understand your options, and support you in thinking through what feels right for you.

If you would like support, you can contact our team, and we will arrange a call to answer any questions you may have.

It would also be really helpful for us to understand how many people are currently crowdfunding for treatment, as this helps inform our advocacy and campaigns. Fortunately, chemosaturation is currently the only treatment that we know of that people are crowdfunding to access.

If this applies to you, you can let us know using this form.

Contact us for support

The Ocular Melanoma UK support line offers confidential support to people living with Ocular Melanoma and their loved ones.

Call us on 0300 790 0512

Lines are open Monday – Friday

Email us

Get in touch with us via the form linked in this button here