A young dad says he is determined to make memories with his children they can cherish after he was diagnosed with incurable brain tumours.
Matthew Ellis, 32, a dad-of-four from Netherfields in Teesside has been given the devastating news that he is unlikely to make it to Christmas this year.
Funds are now being raised so Matthew can enjoy his final months and make memories with his beloved children.
TeessideLive reports that while working as a general operative in 2017, Matthew received news that he had melanoma cancer in his left shoulder, but was given the all clear after treatment.
So in October 2020, when he began feeling unwell and was struggling to eat, he and his wife Lauren went to A&E assuming he had caught Covid.
His cousin Samantha Bytheway explained: "He came away with a heartbreaking diagnosis of three brain tumours.
"He was told they were terminal, and that although treatment couldn't save him, it would help prolong his life. It's so sad - before he got ill, Matthew was constantly on the go, and he's well known in the area because of his quirky sense of humour".
Through this year, Matthew has had brain surgery to relieve pressure from his biggest tumour, radio therapy, as well as a stomach operation.
Samantha continued: "He was told by doctors at his last appointment that no one with his condition has lived more than a year and a half. It's heart-breaking knowing he won't be there to see his children's milestones, especially his youngest who is only one.
"The family have been incredibly strong through the worst times, and have taken everything in their stride."
Matthew has four children, Leo, Luca, Lola and Lorena, who are all primary school age or younger.
Samantha hopes she can raise enough money to send them all on a trip to either Scarborough or Blackpool for Matthew's birthday in October.
She added: "I want to give people the opportunity to help this family make as many memories they can in the time they have left. Because at the end of the day, memories are all we have.
"But time is of the essence - last week Matthew suffered a seizure - so we need to make it happen while his condition is still steady.
"Nothing is too small."
More than £650 has been raised so far - with the goal of reaching £3,000.
Donations can be made here.
