A teenager diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour is determined to be there for the birth of his son next month.
Tom Belcher was given the devastating news that he has between six to 12 months to live in January this year. The shock diagnosis came just weeks after the 17-year-old found out his girlfriend, Ellie Burnett, was pregnant.
In a matter of months, the "cheeky chappy" went from adventuring with friends to needing a wheelchair and suffering from sight, hearing and speech problems.
However, Tom's mum Clare Briggs says that he remains strong-willed and persevering so he can be there to welcome his baby boy into the world. She says the dad-to-be wants nothing more than to meet his son - who will be named Tommy - and for him to have the best life possible, Hull Live reports.
Tom's symptoms began in November 2021, when he began to lose his balance and developed a squint. Clare Briggs, 41, said: "Tom always used to love going out with his friends so when I noticed him wobbling about, I honestly thought he was just drunk.
"Tom knew something was wrong but he didn't open up to anyone about it at the time. I found out he was getting his work friend to fill out his paperwork in exchange for sweets because he was struggling to see.
"I'm a nurse myself, so there was a point where I knew something more was going on and took him to the doctors. In December, we were told he had a brain tumour and he underwent some radiotherapy but it wasn't until January this year that they confirmed it was terminal."
At the point where Tom still had hope to get better, his girlfriend Ellie shared the news that she was pregnant and due in September. Clare continued: "It is really hard knowing that Tom won't be here to see his son, little Tommy, grow up- but in a way the baby will mean a piece of Tom is still with us.
"Ellie has been really good and often comes round to see Tom. She's getting so big herself as she gets further along in her pregnancy and Tom is in his wheelchair and struggles with his independence, so it is getting a bit challenging.
"Tom has given his older brother Nathan strict instructions on what he wants him do with Tommy. He wants him to take him fishing, learn to play rugby and ride a bike, even if Nathan doesn't enjoy those activities, it has to be what Tom always liked to do."
Tom's mum praised his love of adventure and his close relationship with his mates. His friends are always popping in and out to check in on Tom, even if Tom can't communicate much anymore.
Tom's family and friends, with the help of Life For A Kid Foundation in Hull, have set up a charity day which will take place on Saturday (August 13th) from 10am, to raise money for Tom's unborn son. There will be football games, raffles, water fights and a bouncy castle at the Marist Sporting Club and anyone is welcome to join in.
Tom's mum is even making a special trip to the toy store so that Tom can be included in the water fight. Clare and the family are hoping for a great turnout to raise plenty of money for little Tommy. If you would like to donate online, you can find the fundraiser here.
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