‘Very humbled’ by support after terminal cancer diagnosis

‘Very humbled’ by support after terminal cancer diagnosis

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, the owner of a popular coffee spot wants to make sure his business is in good hands.

Jayren Dixon, owner of The Daily Coffee Company in Dunedin’s Princes St, has been diagnosed with incurable stage four lung cancer, which has spread to other organs.

The shop will be up for sale shortly once he begins treatment and the family supports him in doing so.

Mr Dixon (45) said it was a shame that the company’s six-year tenure was over, but he hoped the cafĂ©’s soul would continue through a new owner.

His treatment was due to start next week and he would no longer be able to man the coffee machine, but was grateful for the support people had shown him and his family.

“It’s extremely moving and I’m very humbled.”

With his story, he hoped to raise awareness of the importance of men’s health.

His sister, Anneke Clissold, said his symptoms only started five weeks ago when he became short of breath, which quickly progressed to coughing up blood.

Mr. Dixon saw a doctor two weeks ago, where he was told the bad news.

The disease was incurable, but treatment was available to prolong his life.

Mrs. Clissold and her sister have started a Givealittle page to raise money to support the family while Mr. Dixon is being treated.

So far, the page has raised more than $35,000, enabling him to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Suzie, Mr. Dixon’s wife, said his life revolved around the coffee shop.

The combination of coffee and community had been his lifelong passion and the family moved to Dunedin eight years ago to follow his dream of running a retail store.

Together they had two children aged 12 and 14.

She had a day job and helped with the bookkeeping while Mr. Dixon was the face of the store.

“He really is the cafe,” Mrs. Dixon said.

The couple had been open about the situation with the regulars, not wanting anything to come as a surprise.

They had been “really lucky” to have such a great community. They moved downstairs for a better life and that’s what they achieved.

The family needed somewhere to get coffee during Mr. Dixon’s treatment and looked forward to coming in as a customer, provided the new owner made good coffee.