Alan was just 38 when he passed away. He had battled so bravely a high grade tumour (GBM) for five years and, for four years prior to that, a low grade tumour. He was a much loved husband and Dad to his two young daughters, aged just 2 and 15 months when he passed away.
We are so proud that he battled the GBM for five years. In that time he underwent brain surgeries numerous times to debulk the tumour. He had gliadel (chemotherapy) wafers inserted into the tumour bed twice, radiotherapy and chemotherapy including Temozolomide, Avastin, Carboplatin & Tamoxifen. He experimented with drugs such as clomipramine, selenium & melatonin. He battled so hard to keep the tumour at bay.
The Temozolomide treatment worked so well for years, but when a routine scan discovered tumour re-occurrence in April 2009, we were left with very few treatment options. Alan lost his life in December 2009 leaving his family and many friends devastated.
Alan maintained a high quality of life during nearly all of his illness. He worked part-time and loved to keep himself physically fit. He ran the London Marathon in 2006 whilst on chemotherapy, raising over £10,000 for SDBTT!! Such an amazing achievement.
Alan loved football and was a massive Liverpool FC fan! He was a very talented footballer until a knee injury forced him to hang up his boots.
Every penny raised through this fund will be used specifically to help SDBTT undertake further research into high grade tumours, like the one Alan had, to enable different and better treatments to be discovered and eventually find a cure for this devastating illness.
Alan truly was an inspiration to many people. We remember him every day for his positive never-give-up attitude. His bubbly personality and unwavering humour will remain with his family and many friends forever.
We miss him so much.
About SDBTT Alan Thomas Fund
Through the kind donations accepted at Alan’s funeral and a separate donation from the Llannerchymedd Horse and Pony Show the fund has so far raised £4,550.
We are planning future fundraising events with the aim of doing something positive in his memory.
2010 events
Thanks to all those who contributed in any way to the events held in 2010:
Golf tournament at Bull Bay Golf Course, Anglesey, organised by Dafydd, raising £1041.
Jethro Kiernan took part in the London Triathlon in August, raising over £300 for the Fund.
Funday at Menai Bridge Cricket Club raised over £5000. Special thanks to First Hydro Company and HSBC for their very generous donations. Thank you to the communities of Llanerchymedd and Menai Bridge for coming together so well and raising a huge amount for the Fund. Look out for a 2011 event!
Thanks to Gags and Sarah for donating £300 to the fund in lieu of presents at Gareth’s 40th birthday party.
Thanks to Peggy (Alan’s mum) for having a car boot sale and raising £30.
Charity boxes at Menai Bridge Cricket Club and dentist in Amlwch raised over £100.
2011 events
Reading Half Marathon – Becky (Alan’s wife) and two of her work colleagues took part, raising £2200
A 10 mile charity walk is being held on 27th March, organised by BT Bangor. Numerous people are walking in memory of Alan. Proceeds from this are being split between Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool and SDBTT – Alan Thomas Fund.
Angela Jones is taking part in the Great North Swim (a mile in Lake Windermere) in June 2011; see her sponsorship page at: http://www.justgiving.com/Angela-Jones3
Look out for the cake stall at the Royal Wedding celebrations at MBCC! 29th April.
Funday, 28th August 2011 at Menai Bridge Cricket Club, continuing on from the success of last year.
Royal Parks Half Marathon, 9th October – Becky, Catrin and Non will be taking part, running as part of SDBTT’s 40-strong team.
Tea parties being held by members of Alan & Becky’s family.