Community rallies to support father with brain tumour

A COMMUNITY is rallying around a “hero” dad of two with terminal cancer who is desperate to create memories with his two young children before he dies.

Leo Jones, 30, was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumour last year, and wants his children Noah, four, and Evelyn, two, to make amazing memories with him before the cancer takes over.

People in Leo’s hometown of Porthcawl have rallied around and an online fundraising target of £3,000 was smashed in less than 24 hours.

Donations have flooded in too, with individuals offering the family experiences from a photo shoot to a holiday in Spain.

When asked about the money already raised, Leo said: “It’s overwhelming and hard to process. I’m overjoyed with the love and happiness our friends, family and strangers have shown. The world is beautiful and we are proud to be a part of it.”

It began when Leo was diagnosed with a grade three anaplastic astrocytoma in February 2016 – a rare form of brain tumour. He was given the option of treatment or not, and chose to fight the tumour, accepting all treatment available.

He was given a prognosis two months later of between one and three years.

Noah and Evelyn’s grandmother, Carrie, said: “When Leo was first diagnosed, his initial response was to say ‘the biggest problem with this tumour is I have a wife and children – it’s my family I’m worried about.’

“Leo’s bravery and determination to be there for his children is inspirational. He is the hero during this staggeringly emotional time for the family.”

Leo underwent a life-saving craniotomy – a form of brain surgery before having a “fully awake” craniotomy, where he could not be put to sleep for initial stages of surgery.

Leo has since completed 30 sessions of radiotherapy and six cycles of chemotherapy, and attends oncology, neurology, psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language and palliative care at Y Bwthyn Newydd at the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend.

Carrie, who will also run Cardiff Half Marathon for the cause later this year, added: “He is fighting for his children, to make memories, to be with them as long as he can.

“Leo is a heroic father who gives every essence of himself to them. He wants to create magical memories and they deserve to treasure the experiences and capture the memories that families create. Learn a new language, be immersed by culture and love life, travel and be free, to teach them about the world and share experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

“Having seen how much has been raised so far, I want to get the children to Disneyland, not just Legoland.”

Leo added: “From being the provider to having lost my independence and ability to provide for my family, my licence and job gone, ability to walk far gone and having to relearn everything, it is difficult but in light of all this we still have love for life and goals. Most of all live life to the full and love every day as it comes.”

Wife Kimberley said: “Leo is the best person I have ever met. The most kind, loving, fun, crazy, optimistic guy who stole my heart. The best father who would fight and do anything for this family.”

Fundraisers are invited to set up cake days, sports events, treasure hunts and more.

To donate to the cause, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/noahandevelyn