AN APPEAL has been launched to raise funds so an Alvechurch man – who has been diagnosed with inoperable and incurable brain cancer and has less than 12 months to live – can make memories with his young family.
Dean Nock, who is just 33, lives with partner Ashley Redden in the village and they have two daughters – Layla, aged six, and Lola, aged five.
Three weeks ago, after getting severe headaches and weakness on his left-hand side that did not go away, he went to see his GP and was admitted to hospital.
He was discharged a week later after an MRI scan which revealed the devastating diagnosis about his illness.
He, a manual labourer, has had to give up work because of the way the cancer is affecting his mobility and Ashley is unable to do her job as she needs to be there to look after him.
A fund-raising page has been launched by family friend Jo Ashton with an initial target of £5,000 but it is hoped the drive will exceed that so Dean, Ashley and their girls can have a summer to remember.
Another family friend Vanya Rousseau said: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking – we asked the family to write a bucket list of things they want to do while they still can and we want to make as many of them come true as we can.
“We want to enable them to make cherished family memories and for them to not have any money worries over the summer.
“I know times are hard but please dig deep.”
It is hoped – if enough can be raised – the family will be able to go for a memorable trip to Disneyland Paris while other suggestions from the family, included trips to the Blackpool Tower, the London Eye and the beach. They also want to sleep in a tent, go horse or pony riding, have a go on a zip wire ride and a hot tub weekend.
Dean, if possible would also like to ‘walk Ashley down the aisle’.
Anyone who can contribute can click through to the fund-raising page here.
