Family’s appeal to help five-year-old Ingol boy battle aggressive brain tumour

Jenson with Finlay and Ruby Pic: Sarah Lewis

A fundraiser has been set up for a five-year-old boy from Ingol who has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Jenson Lewis was diagnosed with diagnosed with Medulloblastoma after a tumour the size of a tomato was found in his brain last summer.

This came after he displayed symptoms around co-ordination and balance which kickstarted an intense course of treatment including multiple surgeries.

Jenson’s mum Sarah 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 – Jenson had 2 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.”

Jenson with his Dad, Simon Pic: Sarah Lewis

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

This has been heightened while Jenson stays 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 six-to-nine months chemotherapy in outpatient care.

His parents, Sarah and Simon, are taking turns staying with their five-year-old and returning home to be with their other children.

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

Jenson on the train with his mother Sarah Pic: Sarah Lewis

In addition to any further treatments for the Medulloblastom, 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 the disease.

The ongoing treatment has meant that both Sarah and Simon have had to take unpaid leave, which has had a significant impact on their financial situation.

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 having to worry about their finances.

Mr Tumble paying a visit to Jenson in hospital Pic: Sarah Lewis

Victoria said: “It’s absolutely heart-breaking 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.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.