Jasmine Dembele, a 29-year-old living in London, is desperately trying to save her father's bicycle rental and repair business in Tuscany, Italy, after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer in March 2025. Her father, David, has run the business for 30 years, working seven days a week, 12 or more hours a day, to support his family.
David is the main caregiver for his children and elderly parents. Now, his diagnosis threatens to undo decades of hard work and leave the family without income. Jasmine, who has been in London for six years, told MyLondon: "He is a very proud man. He never cries about what he's going through, and if he knew I was doing this fundraiser, he wouldn't even want to accept it."
Weighing just 55 kilograms, David is visibly weakened by his treatment. Jasmine added: "When I speak to him, he tries to make me think it's not an issue, but I can tell he's scared. His dad died from cancer when he was young. I know he is scared that if he dies and leaves nothing behind for his kids, he feels he would be a failure."
Jasmine has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £40,000 to hire a worker to run the repair shop while her father recovers. The alternative is closing the business, which David would never accept. The funds will also cover legal costs for hiring staff and purchasing essential bicycles and tools for the upcoming season.
"My dad is always someone who wants to help people. I know not everybody can donate, but even if they share it, that would be amazing," Jasmine said. "This work is the heartbeat of our family; it is the primary income that feeds six people and keeps us moving forward."
The bike shop operates under the sun without a toilet on-site, and David has no help. Jasmine hopes to give him a summer off for the first time in 30 years, allowing him to rest and recover without worrying about providing for the family. "He's 55 kilos - that's skinnier than me. He has to keep getting checks every few months. Working every day wouldn't work for him," she explained.
Jasmine's father has always been a humble provider, never asking for help. She is determined to preserve his legacy and give him the chance to recover. The fundraiser aims to cover the costs of temporary staff, ensuring the business can continue while David focuses on his health.
