The family of a former MP battling terminal cancer says they've been called to his bedside after his health "deteriorated considerably".
Chester Borrows is a former Whanganui National MP, Deputy Speaker, lawyer and also an ex-police officer, for which he received a Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct for attempting to arrest an armed murderer.
Borrows has head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), according to a Givealittle page.
"Following surgery, radiation and chemotherapy the cancer is now terminal and Chester has begun a series of treatments which are not funded by the health system," the Givealittle page said.
The 65-year-old had been using his savings to pay for a non-funded drug at $8000 per dose.
But Borrow's daughter has revealed his condition has deteriorated.
"Some of you have been trying to get hold of Chester Borrows - as you probably know, his condition has deteriorated considerably and we've been given instructions to assemble the family," Abi Borrows wrote on Facebook.
"The problem we've got (among others) is we cannot access his Facebook account, so if you do want to pass messages on please contact any one of us in the immediate family."
Abi said the family is "devastated, heartbroken, numb" but is grateful for the support they've received.
The Givealittle page has so far raised over $39,000 on Sunday morning with money going towards the ongoing costs of Borrows' treatment.
People were quick to pass on their support for Chester with one person saying, "praying and thinking of you, it's horrible news, much love to you all".
Another person wrote, "No words will do, glad you will be able to wrap yourselves together at this terrible time".
