A 37-year-old dad-of-two was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and months left to live, hopes to raise funds for a final ‘dream holiday’ with his family
A young dad-of-two is hoping to take his children on a ‘dream family holiday’ after being told he only has months left to live.
Mark Blakeson, a pub chef from Fearnhead in Lancashire, received news that he had a terminal brain cancer in February at the age of 37. Mark’s best friend Jodhi Taylor, 36, has since set up a fundraising page to help support his dream of taking his family on a final holiday.
“He plays in the Golborne Brass Band, and he was playing in the band one afternoon when he collapsed and had a seizure and was taken to hospital. They found out then that he had a brain tumour,” she told the Warrington Guardian.
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Doctors operated on the tumour but were only able to take out part of it. Mark then underwent radiotherapy, which failed and he was informed that the tumour would return, but this time more aggressively. He was given a life expectancy of around two years.
Dad to Phoebe, 14, and Alfie, 10, Mark is hoping to take his family on a trip that they will cherish. “I set a goal on the funding page to raise £2,500, as he wants to take the kids on a dream holiday. Insurance to cover him going away is £2,000 alone,” added Jodhi.
Jodhi, who met Mark in 2007 before moving in with him, hopes to make the dream trip happen as soon as possible, especially whilst he is still fit and able to do so with his children. She added how Mark is kind person who helped her find her degree and become a nurse.
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“The past year has been awful, he is doing very well at the moment but it was awful at the start for him. I think we are all struggling with it more than him now as he seems to have accepted it,” Jodhi shared.
The fundraising target for the holiday was originally set as £2,500 but has recently hit over £3,400 from 96 donors.
To help Mark and donate to the cause, visit the funding page.
