A Nottinghamshire man battling a terminal brain tumour has said he feels ‘touched’ by the response to an appeal for a hospice which cares for him.
Alan Thompson, 62, from Sneinton, was diagnosed with the grade-four tumour on Christmas Eve 2015 and suffers dysphasia as a result of the condition, which means he is losing his speech.
In December his partner Jean Blacow raised more than £1,700 for Nottinghamshire Hospice, where Alan attends Day Therapy, by holding an eight-hour sponsored silence to highlight his struggle with words.
For the challenge she had a zip painted across her mouth and used lollypops and sweets to help her keep quiet.
Jean said: “The sponsored silence went really well and we raised even more than we had hoped.
“A lot of people tried to put me off but I didn’t let them – It was a very long day and I did swear a lot afterwards.
“We have been so touched by the kindness of people and everything they have done – there really are some beautiful people out there.”
After hearing about Alan’s condition Nottingham Forest have offered him free tickets to their home game against Huddersfield on April 8.
Alan is a lifelong fan and has been going to matches at the City Ground since the 1970s.
Jean said: “We have received donations from Nottingham Forest fans and people in America and Hong Kong – the support has been fantastic.
“Alan is looking forward to the game and has been overwhelmed by all the kindness.
“He says that there are many people worse off than him and he is just grateful to still have the ability to walk.”
Alan has now stopped receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and is focusing on spending time with his family and friends.
He continues to visit Nottinghamshire Hospice twice a week to take part in social activities and attends the Maggie’s Nottingham cancer support drop in once a month.
Donations can still be made to Jean and Alan through their JustGiving page.
