Alan’s story
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 and 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 the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust!! 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 The Brain Tumour Charity 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.
“Alan truly was an inspiration to many people. We remember him every day for his positive never-give-up attitude.”
About The Alan Thomas Fund
The fund was started with the donations from Alan’s funeral totalling £4,550.
I cannot thank everyone enough for the generosity shown. The donations however big or small are always very much appreciated. The Brain Tumour Charity are using this money for their research projects on high grade brain tumours. I am confident that one day some better treatments will be discovered and eventually a cure.
Our fundraising
Since starting in 2010, many successful events have been held to raise money for The Alan Thomas Fund. Thanks to all those who contributed in any way to the events held so far.
2012 events
- Alan’s friend Arwel ran the Edinburgh Marathon on 26th in support of The Fund and raised £1,864.75
- Nathan Goodright took part in the Edinburgh marathon on 27th
- Becky and Catrin ran the Anglesey Half Marathon on 13th and raised £665.00
- Jon Knott and his team ran the Manchester 10k on 20th May and raised £1,297.50
2011 events
- Reading Half Marathon – Becky (Alan’s wife) and two of her work colleagues took part, raising £2,200.
- A total of £1,000 was raised by BT in Bangor, who very generously supported the Alan Thomas Fund, staff were joined by Alan and Becky’s family members – they completed a 10 mile walk from Capel Curig to Bangor – well done and thanks!
- Angela Jones braved the cold water of Lake Windermere to complete the ‘Great North swim’ raising over £300.
- The Funday in Menai Bridge cricket club raised £1,500.
- Thanks to all those who came along and who contributed in any way! Catrin Lewis-Jones and Non Gwyn Jones ran as part of The Brain Tumour Charity’s team in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, raising over £1,000.
- A very successful tea party was held by Peggy and Nia Thomas raising over £300.
2010 events
- Golf tournament at Bull Bay Golf Course, Anglesey, organised by Dafydd, raising £1,041.
- Jethro Kiernan took part in the London Triathlon in August, raising over £300 for the Fund.
- Funday at Menai Bridge Cricket Club raised over £5,000.
- 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.
- 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.