Fundraiser for Jenson Lewis amasses £6,000 in two weeks

Five-year-old Jenson Lewis, from Lancashire, was just one of 52 children in the UK last year to be diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Doctors found a tumour the size of a tomato in Jenson’s brain last summer, after he displayed symptoms around his co-ordination and balance.

The discovery kickstarted an intense rollercoaster of treatment for the little lad, including multiple surgeries, which continue to dominate the Lewis family’s life.

Jenson with his siblings (Image: The Lewis Family via Alma/Go Fund Me)

Jenson’s mum, Sarah, who is a midwife, said: “It’s the news you never expect to hear.

“It all happened very quickly once the tumour was discovered.

“The oncology and neurosurgical team at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital didn’t miss a beat, and Jenson had two brain surgeries within a matter of days and the diagnosis confirmed within a week.

“They were amazing and made the most awful situation as bearable as possible. Jenson is strong willed, stubborn and strong enough to hopefully beat this awful disease and we can look forward to a future together as a family unit.”

The Preston family of five has been juggling constant to-ing and fro-ing to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and The Christie in Manchester for Jenson’s essential treatments, while trying to maintain schooling and other day-to-day requirements for Jenson’s siblings, Ruby, 16, and Finlay, 14. 

Jenson is required to stay at The Christie to undergo a one-off 30-day treatment of Proton Beam Radiotherapy, which cannot be repeated in the case of a relapse.

He will then undergo between six and nine months of chemotherapy in outpatient care.

Jenson and the hospital's therapy dog (Image: The Lewis family via Alma/Go Fund Me)

Sarah, and dad Simon, are taking it in turns to stay with their five-year-old and returning home to be with their other children, which is adding extra strain to the family unit, as they are rarely in the same place together at the same time.

Jenson, who was also recently diagnosed as autistic, will have to face the long-term effects of this treatment, including infertility and stunted growth.

In addition to any further treatments for the medulloblastoma, he will require hormone therapy as he grows, to combat the damaging effect of the radiation to his brain and spine, which are expected to affect his cognition and processing abilities.

Over recent months, Jenson has participated in a clinical trial which has seen him endure high dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant - while this isn’t standard treatment for medulloblastoma, this trial allows for progress of the treatment for this devastating disease.

The ongoing treatment and related practicalities has forced both Sarah and Simon to take unpaid leave, which has had a significant impact on their financial situation, adding extra stress to an already difficult situation.

Watching the situation unfold, childhood friend of Sarah, and fellow midwife, Victoria Gwin, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the family.

In the summary, she explains that the money is being raised to allow Jenson’s parents to focus on supporting him through his treatment, and looking after their family as a whole, without worrying about finances.

Victoria said: “It's absolutely heartbreaking what the Lewis family are going through.

“Having to process receiving the initial diagnosis is devastating enough, and now they're seeing Jenson endure all the intense treatment side effects and the challenges in the future.”

“There is still a long road ahead with a lot of uncertainty, which is why I created the GoFundMe campaign, so that with help and support, we can help the beautiful Lewis family financially so they can focus on Jenson's treatment and recovery and being a family again.”

To help the Lewis family, you can donate by following this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/6p244q-jensons-fight-against-medulloblastoma?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=gfm_uk_alma