A much-loved music producer with an extremely rare form of cancer is involved in a “race against time” as he struggles to raise £30,000 for treatment.

Ham & High: Barry Marshall-Everitt with his wife, the musician Bex MarshallBarry Marshall-Everitt with his wife, the musician Bex Marshall (Image: Archant)

Crouch End-based Barry Marshall-Everitt, 69, was diagnosed with urethral cancer in spring 2016 – but only discovered there was hope when he happened to catch an American news bulletin featuring a man cured of the same disease.

After attempting to raise £200,000 for treatment in the USA, Barry and his wife Bex have now found a Mexican doctor willing to perform the procedure for £30,000.

Bex, a blues musician, said: “All of a sudden, it’s doable – it’s no longer such a massive, impossible amount of money.

“We’re knocking on every door and trying our best to get it because it’s a real life or death situation.”

The couple has already raised more than £17,000 through online donations, and is now appealing for one last push – while also selling anything they can.

“We’re selling Barry’s BMW M5 – his pride and joy – as well as furniture, my guitars, our share in some property in Cyprus,” she said.

“They told him he had two months to live on January 26, so it’s a race against time.”

Barry is now staying in the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead for pain relief and respite while enduring considerable pain.

Unfortunately, the cancer has spread to his arm and leg – with doctors warning he could soon require amputation.

“It’s a living hell,” Bex said. “I’ve had to see him every day crying and whimpering and howling in pain. It’s so horrific.

“He’s got the equivalent of 20 bullet holes in his body.”

She added: “But I keep saying, ‘We’re in control’. We are in control of saving his life.”

Bex also said she has written a song for her husband, titled Not Going to Lay Down and Die, which she hopes to record and promote soon in a bid to raise more money.

To help Barry, donate here.