The East Kilbride community is being asked to come together to help raise funds in the name of brave local teen Max Jones who is receiving end-of-life care.
At just 17-years-old, Max was given the same devastating cancer diagnosis that claimed the lives of both his mum and gran.
Max’s gran Margaret O’Kane, from Wishaw, died from glioblastoma in October 2008, aged 66, and his mum Angie Jones, from East Kilbride, died from the disease just 14 months later, aged 36.
Heartbreakingly, Max, Angie’s only child, was diagnosed with the same tumour last summer and was given just weeks to live when he was admitted to the Kilbryde Hospice in January this year.
The “one in a billion” series of deadly brain tumours to hit the Lanarkshire family was this week described as “brutal” by Max’s aunt and guardian Louise Cooper.
“When Max’s gran and mum both died of glioblastoma the doctors said it was a coincidence, but when Max became ill in June last year and was the third generation to be diagnosed with it, they couldn’t put that down as a coincidence”, said Louise.
“It’s very rare for glioblastoma to be hereditary. The Brain Tumour Research charity told us they were unaware of any other cases having three generations of this.
“Max was 17, still playing football, had just won the Claremont AFC 2004s coaches player of the year when he was diagnosed.
“He is a young lad who was fit and has a strong heart so he is still plodding along, but he is pretty poorly now.
“It’s been horrific, really brutal but I’m incredibly proud of Max. He has smiled through everything that life has thrown at him and is still worrying about his family and friends before himself.”
Max started getting headaches and pains in his legs. The pain became so unbearable he went to Hairmyres Hospital where a CT and MRI scan discovered the “aggressive” stage 4 tumour on his brain.
He underwent surgery to remove the tumour at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow before being transferred to The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow for radiothearapy and chemotherapy treatment.
Things were looking positive for a while with the professional cookery student managing to get away on a family holiday to Tenerife but he ended up back in hospital in January after experiencing more pain.
Following a full-body scan a second tumour was found on his brain and one on his spine. Unfortunately Max became so ill he wasn’t able to finish more treatment and was transferred to the Kilbryde Hospice to receive end-of-life care.
Louise added: “Max has been up and down with it all. He’s resigned to what his fate is now but he’s also very confused just now and can be very emotional.
“As a mum you just have to keep going. My husband and I have another two teenage children so we need to try and cope while supporting them as well.
“Max has lived with us for over 11 years so Holly and Steven don’t remember life without him, he’s just like a big brother to them.
“Life is just so cruel but I’m incredibly proud of how maturely Holly and Steven are dealing with horrific circumstances and how supportive they are being of Max and each other.”
Praising Kilbryde Hospice for their “phenomenal” care, Louise continued: “I believe Max is the youngest patient the hospice have ever had. They’ve been absolutely phenomenal. They’ve made Max feel at home, making him feel as happy and comfortable as possible and the support is there for everybody who comes through the door to see Max.”
Now, in a heartwarming show of unity, Max’s workmates at Pacini’s chip shop in East Kilbride are hosting a charity fundraiser for the hospice as a thank you for the excellent care being given to their friend.
The £3 supper charity day from 12noon till 10pm this Sunday, June 4, will feature a DJ and magician with all proceeds raised going directly to Kilbryde Hospice.
Pacini’s owner Virgil Franchetti said: "Max is a lovely boy who has touched all of our hearts. It's tragic and has hit everybody in the shop like a ton of bricks.
"His best friends Kieran and Callin Hamilton who work in the shop have really stepped up and been with Max every step of the way. They have shown such maturity spending all their free time down at the hospice to keep him company and support him.
"The hospice have been amazing with Max and deserve every bit of help people can give them. We want to raise a good amount of money to help them continue to do the good work that they do."
To donate to the cause click here.
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