A flood of human kindness is washing over a Holbeach family whose ten-year-old son is battling a brain tumour.
Jack Naish went to the town’s Specsavers for an eye test in June, and alarm bells immediately rang for the optician.
“Specsavers know him, he does bend his glasses!” said mum Belinda McClements.
“We were referred to Peterborough for an immediate scan after they thought he had a lazy eye muscle.
“Peterborough City Hospital referred him for an MRI brain scan as they felt there was something pressing on his optic nerve,” she said.
The scan took place in August and the family received the devastating news that there was a mass on his brain.
“The last four to six weeks have seen his life change dramatically, we are still in a shock bubble,” said Belinda.
Later the same day there was a call from Addenbrooke’s Hospital to go that night for a brain operation.
“The scan showed that there was some on his spine, and Jack had a biopsy. It came back that he had a low grade glioma and it was slow-growing,” she added.
The plan was to start chemotherapy or a trial drug and an operation would be possible after puberty.
But after more tests, the tumour had unexpectedly grown by another 5mm and he needed brain surgery which was carried out on October 1.
He was also to have a shunt inserted on Tuesday of this week, but the procedure was delayed.
“We just want the chemotherapy to start,” said Belinda.
“Jack is a very sociable, well-mannered young man. There’s not a day goes by when we are not approached by someone to compliment us on his manners.
“He is a real petrol head, loves cars, trying to mend things and to work next to his dad with his own tool table.”
Belinda and her partner Tom moved to their current home so Jack could have a bigger garden to explore.
She has two daughters, Tam (19) and 16-year-old Tayla at home.
Jack, has ADHD and autism spectrum disorder and is a pupil at William Stukeley Primary School.
“He has been to visit his class.”
The house had space, but needs a lot of renovation work which Belinda and Tom have been doing as and when they could afford to.
An annex has been built where Belinda, Tom, Jack and his dog Shadow sleep. But it’s not finished at this point.
The family has now launched a crowdfunding appeal to help get things finished which stands at £1,669.
But local traders and residents are stepping in to offer help and support.
The family was appealing for financial help to finish the work, but as soon as Jack’s plight was made public, trades people have been offering to work for nothing.
“We have been completely overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity,” said Belinda.
A local carpet company, decorators and an electrician came forward immediately to offer their services for free. Other trades are welcome to join them so Jack has his own space when he’s home.
His parents are spending much of their time at Acorn House, accommodation attached to Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge. Any money left after the work on their home is completed will go to the charity that runs Acorn House. Search Jack’s Journey on www.crowdfunder.co.uk to donate.
