Charity fun day for brave tumour dad
AFUNDRAISING day is being held for a dying Southport dad-of-two who has spent 10 years battling a brain tumour.
At the age of 29, Chris Prentice was told he had just a few years to live when he received his shocking diagnosis.
Despite defying that prognosis, Chris has recently lost half his weight; his condition has deteriorated and he is becoming weaker by the day.
He has undergone six brain operations and continuous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while the complication related to his condition have resulted in him suffering from meningitis, pneumonia and epilepsy.
But his spirits have remained high and he is now the proud dad of two children: nine-year-old Jacob and Hattie, five.
To support Chris and his wife, Kelly, Tanya and Louie Gaffney, who run Southport’s Playtown attraction, are hosting a fundraising event with the help of residents and businesses around the town.
The fun day at the Ocean Plaza play centre on Thursday, August 29, will feature games, face painting, cake sales, appearances from favourite children’s characters and much more.
A raffle and tombola will be held thanks to donations from local businesses, while staff are working for free.
No tickets are needed, with a portion of the normal entry price being donated towards the family.
Tanya said: “Chris has a wonderful family – his wile, Kelly, had to leave her career to become a full-time carer for her hus
band. They also have two beautiful children.
“Both children are under the therapist at the hospice who, along with Kelly, is trying to prepare them for when they lose their daddy.
“This is particularly difficult for Jacob as he suffers with autism and does not handle change well.“
The charity fun day takes place at Playtown from 10am-2pm on Thursday, August 29.