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This horror image of a completely emaciated British man has sparked an urgent campaign to fly him home from the Philippines for life-saving treatment.

Ronnie Lord, 59, was snapped lying on a bed appearing dangerously underweight after tumours in his mouth and throat left him unable to eat.

The shocking photograph was taken by the his wife Rebecca in a desperate bid to raise the alarm about his spiralling health.

Ronnie, who moved to the Philippines after retiring, complained of a sore throat seven months ago which worsened to the point he could no longer swallow.

(Image: Supplied)

(Image: Supplied)

Doctors in the country found tumours in his mouth and throat and advised him he needed to undergo scans and possibly specialist cancer care to help keep him alive.

But after running out of money he can no longer receive any treatment.

The picture was sent to Ronnie's younger sister Karen who has helped launch a JustGiving page to pay for medical help until he is fit enough to fly home.

Karen, 57, revealed she was horrified after she woke up last week to see her brother's worrying state of health.

(Image: Supplied)

She told Mirror Online: "If I would have known about it earlier it wouldn't have progressed the way it did but Ronnie never told me. I spoke to him about seven months ago and he mentioned he had a sore throat but that was it.

"I woke up to that picture last week and I can't describe how I felt. It's so sad, I knew I just needed to do everything possible to help him. It's absolutely shocking.

"Ronnie didn't even know the picture had been sent, his wife sent it out of desperation.

"He is a very proud and stubborn man and obviously didn't want people to know he needed money."

(Image: Supplied)

Money sent from family and friends so far has paid for a doctor's visit, bacterial mouthwash, 12 painkillers and a tub of food supplements.

But loved ones say more is needed.

Karen said he will be admitted to a hospital tomorrow after receiving a $2,000 donation from a cousin in the US.

And she hopes to raise as much money as possible to help her brother receive the best possible treatment.

The appeal, which was set up by family friend Alana Altham, has so far raised over £2,750 just days after being set up.

A target of £15,000 has been set.

(Image: Gofundme) (Image: Gofundme)

The page reads: “Ronnie has told family that they have ran out of money now for any further medical treatment.

"Ronnie needs further tests, scans and treatment to determine exactly what type of tumours he has. It costs around £250 just to be admitted to the hospital and about £50 a night to stay in hospital.

"Then individual pieces of equipment, drips, medication and treatment has to paid for seperately.

"Family have contacted The British Consulate, The British Embassy and The Home office. They have no monetary funds but can help with advice/paperwork/passports etc. They did say that he cannot fly home without a fit to travel certificate.”

Ronnie was born and raised in the Ribble Valley in Longridge in Lancashire but moved to the Philippines to retire.

He is married to his second wife Rebecca and has a nine-year-old little daughter called Shanieka.