FRIENDS and family of a brave man battling pancreatic cancer are appealing for music fans in South Wales to support their Crowdfunder campaign.
Jon Ward, originally from Swanmore and now living in Brighton, was diagnosed with the condition last Spring but in recent weeks his health has deteriorated leading supporters to launch an appeal to help pay for urgent treatment.
Their £3,000 plea includes a raffle to win £500 worth of tickets to see pop megastar P!NK at Cardiff’s Principality Arena on June 11.
As the cancer has spread to Jon’s liver – leaving a minimal chance of remission – fiancée Bryony and fundraisers are doing all they can to turn the tide, so she and the 42 year-old web designer can go on to live a happy life together.
“Sadly, in April Jon’s chemotherapy treatment was suspended,” said Bryony, 27.
“His cancer has moved to his liver and is growing, and the remaining treatment options do not hold promise.
“The news has devastated us, especially as the chemotherapy had been working to a point, but remission is still possible, with the right treatment, if it is given quickly while Jon is still healthy.”
She added: “We have so many plans and dreams, to go on and have a family and live our life together for many years to come – I hope people can help us.”
Friend Charles Goodwin revealed each day that goes by with Jon left untreated, decreases his chances of remission.
“Private oncology clinics overseas are offering Jon precision-based immunotherapy using extensive genetic testing to treat his cancer, and this targeted approach using the body’s own immune system is crucial for his survival,” he said.
“The financial strain is exacerbated by Jon’s inability to work due to fatigue, but with the help of people out there – hopefully in the Cardiff community, where this concert is taking place – we can alleviate some of the financial burden of this life-saving treatment, giving Jon the opportunity to fight the disease, which is still possible, if we act quickly.”
To enter the raffle, make a donation, and support Jon’s appeal, visit the Crowdfunder website here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pnk-tickets-savejon. Follow the hashtag #savejon on social media to show your support.