Appeal hopes to raise £55k for dad’s operation

A DAD of three with an aggressive form of bowel cancer needs £55,000 for a lifesaving operation at a private hospital in Manchester.

Jamie Norman, who has battled the disease since April 2016, was told by his oncologist that they can no longer treat him after it had spread to the wall of his abdomen.

But family members say there is a procedure available at a private hospital in Manchester which could save his life.

Now, the community in his hometown of Aberbargoed has joined forces to raise the money he needs for the treatment.

His brother Neil said time is running out to give the 30-year-old the help he needs.

“He’s physically fit, so if you look at him you’d never know he had cancer,” said Neil.

“At one point he thought about giving up, but we told him he needed to fight this for the sake of his three young children.”

Jamie, who enjoys rugby and football, initially complained of stomach problems and went to his GP for advice.

His family say he was diagnosed with nothing more than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sent him home with medication.

But months later he suffered a ruptured bowel and needed an emergency operation at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.

Neil said a piece of his brother’s bowel was removed during the procedure and sent away for tests.

They revealed that Jamie had cancer of the bowel and needed to start chemotherapy straight away.

Following nine months of treatment, he was sent for a CT scan which revealed that the cancer had spread to the lining of his stomach.

“The surgeon who first operated on him said he wouldn’t operate again. There was nothing more they could do,” said Neil.

A whole host of fundraising events have already taken place for Jamie in Aberbargoed and Markham.

People in the area are being urged to buy “superhero” bows to put on their cars, and a 10k walk will take place at the New Duffryn pub Aberbargoed on September 1 in his honour.

An auction night is also taking place at Markham Welfare Club on September 14. Items will include signed gloves and rugby tickets from the WRU and the Scarlets.

And friend Darren Hagerty will take part in a sky dive later this year – despite his fear of heights.

To donate to Jamie, visit www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ jamie-norman