Inspiration in trying times

Mark Lees was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

A GROUP of friends have teamed up to organise a fundraising football tournament in support of an “inspirational” 23-year-old who is battling a brain tumour for the second time.

Mark Lees was diagnosed with a brain tumour in early 2014 and underwent operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to beat it, with the tumour reducing in size by 90 per cent.

The former Crompton House and Hopwood Hall College student was able to return home from hospital in July, 2014, and he was determined to return to full fitness and his fun-filled life.

Mark, a keen sportsman and rugby player, was able to complete his university studies and graduated from UCLAN with a degree in Sports Development and Coaching June a well as joining friends on a holiday to Budapest.

However shortly after his graduation Mark began to experience worrying symptoms again, including nausea, dizziness and headaches.

His scan was brought forward and showed that the the tumour had sadly returned to the size it was before the surgery, over 12 months before.

He resumed chemotherapy however further scans showed that the treatment was not affected and more severe chemotherapy would be needed.

After hearing his story, Mark’s friends Connor Karran, Jason Hill, and Joel Pilkington, all aged 23, rallied around him and set about fundraising to help him during his treatment.

Connor said: “Over the past 18 months, Marks strength of character has shone brighter than ever.

“He has tackled everything that has been thrown at him with strength and dignity.

“Despite his experience, he continues to put others first showing the type of kindness, humility and generosity towards his family and friends that can only be described as inspirational.”

The group of friends have organised a seven-a-side football tournament at Crompton House School on November 22.

The five teams, made up of Mark’s friends will compete from 3pm and hope to raise £1,000 during the event.

From the money raised, Mark will also make a donation to “Paul’s Fund”, a charitable trust which enables young adults and their families who are facing a diagnosis of a terminal or life threatening illness to have a respite holiday break on the North Devon coast.

Connor continued: “We thought it would be nice to put something together where money could be raised with the intention of helping Mark through further treatment but also help him achieve any experiences that he may wish to enjoy through this tough time in life.

“It also gives a platform on which all who know Mark can demonstrate to him exactly how well thought of he is.

“Your support and any contributions will be highly appreciated, even if you don’t personally know Mark, please feel free to come down and show your support for a local young man who we are all very proud of and inspired by.”

Mark, from Shaw, said he was “humbled” by the support he has received from his friends following his diagnosis.

He said: “I am really overwhelmed.

“A lot of people have been involved in helping me and I am humbled by it all.

“It has been a tough 18 months for me but it means a lot that my friends want to support me.

“I’m also determined to help “Paul’s Fund” and raise money to support other families in a similar situation.”

To donate to Mark’s cause visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/MarkLees1