Fundraiser launched for London DJ Chris Stoker amid cancer battle

A fundraiser has been launched to help financially support London DJ and label head Chris Stoker, who is currently undergoing treatment for stage three kidney cancer.

Earlier this week, Chris’ wife Sarah shared the news that he has been “quietly navigating” cancer treatment for the past three years, and was more recently diagnosed with type one diabetes as a result of that treatment.

“He's dealt with it all incredibly bravely, verging on zen at times,” she wrote. “Chris isn't someone who finds it easy to ask for assistance, but in all honesty, it's got to the point where he really needs it, so we're doing it for him.”

The fundraiser looks to raise money toward things like advanced diagnostics, specialist nutrition, consultations, cancer-supportive diets, supplements and other expenses that are not already covered by the NHS in his ongoing treatment.

“While the NHS does its best to cover Chris's core medical care, so much of what truly improves quality of life and long-term outcomes sits outside its reach,” Sarah wrote, also adding that income from his fledgling clothing business, ACMH, "barely covers day-to-day costs".

She continued: “It's this combination - cancer and now diabetes - that's created an almost impossible strain to live with. Not only physically and emotionally, but financially too.”

Chris is currently spending between £300 to £1,200 from savings each month on treatments, Sarah added. “We want to do what we can at this point, and we know lots of you will too, so we thought it's about time we got this all out clearly for all his friends to understand the whole picture.”

Chris, who is also one half of production duo Ess O Ess, has been part of East London’s dance music community for more than a decade, founding his record label, Not An Animal, alongside Andy Bainbridge in 2015.

Until its recent closure, Chris was also a resident DJ at Hackney pub and venue The Gun, and also heads up a party series, Bad Passion, with events across London.

Donate to the fundraiser here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter