Island community comes together to help father’s brain cancer battle

The Isle of Wight community came together to help a father’s battle with cancer — raising a grand total of £1,640.

The Wootton Bridge Community Centre came alive as loved ones and friends clubbed together to raise funds for Simon Mayne with an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza — complete with an appearance from ‘Jack Sparrow’.

The family is desperately trying to raise the much-needed £250,000 for private treatment.

The 57-year-old was tragically diagnosed with a grade four brain tumour in March 2018. He decided to get checked after developing severe headaches and partial sight loss in his left eye.

Simon underwent brain surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but sadly his tumour was diagnosed as the most aggressive form and he was given 12–14 months to live.

But there is hope as Simon’s wife, together with friends and family, are trying to raise funds for a unique vaccine which is made especially for Simon using tumour tissue and cells from his blood. The vaccine will use his body to help kill the cancer cells.

The fundraiser was one of the many events that Simon’s family and friends have organised they have also done bucket collections and set up a donation page.

Katie Mayne, Simon’s daughter, said she was “amazed at how kind people are” and hopes their efforts raise awareness of brain cancer.

To help Simon and his family visit: www.gofundme.com/Simons-fight-against-brain-cancer