After an inspirational and heartbreaking 16 month battle with the devastating desease Pancreatic Cancer, my best friend of 27 years Jay Clark finally passed away on 26 February 2017.
Jay (42) was diagnosed on 30th October 2015, when he & Caroline (37) were 30 weeks pregnant with their miracle baby Maxie. They had everything to look forward to, most importantly the loving family life they'd always wished for, until that moment when their world came crashing down.
What followed was 16 months of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, multiple medications & procedures. Throughout all of which Jay stayed positive and was an inspiration to others, with his journey being shared on the #bemorejay Facebook page Caroline set up which tracked their journey through Maxie's eyes, and raised awareness of this silent killer.
During his illness he continued to be as involved as possible with the son he never thought he'd have. Even during his final 5 weeks of life when staying at the amazing StWilfrid's hospice in Eastbourne, Jays partner Caroline brought Maxie in to see Jay most days. Against the odds Jay saw many of Maxie's key early milestones - sitting, crawling, saying "dada" & "mama" & Jay even saw some of his first steps.
The thing that most upset Jay about his diagnosis was that he wouldn't be there for Maxie - saying many times that he "didn't want to leave him". Growing up without a father himself, Jay had always vowed to look after, and be there for any child he was blessed with. This opportunity has been cruelly taken away from him.
I've set up this fund to fulfil Jay's wish that Maxie would be supported. That he'd be provided for and have as "normal & fulfilled" life as possible. Any help to achieve Jay's Maxie wish would be hugely appreciated.