A mum nursing a ten-year- old with a brain tumour has set up a fundraiser for his school friend whose mum died just before Christmas.
Belinda McClements said she’s so thankful for the help she has received from the community after Jack Naish’s diagnosis, she wanted to do something for the Sangster family.
Their 11-year-old daughter Nadine is friends with Jack.
On December 10 her mum Wendy died aged 54.
It comes as her dad Colin is recovering from having spinal surgery at their Holbeach home
“Wendy was a caring person who was very close to Nadine who had to have extra care because of her having type one diabetes,” said Belinda from beside Jack’s bed at Addenbrooke’s hospital where he’s currently recovering from an illness. “My Jack was at school with Nadine at William Stukeley. Her dad Colin rang to tell us the sad news.
“Many people have helped us and I wanted to help this family, it’s such a shock and so sad.”
Wendy’s husband Colin said that Wendy had been feeling unwell for a couple of months but had only been diagnosed with a heart problem last week.
“She was a happy-go -lucky type who was always smiling,” said Colin. “She was the best wife you could ask for and would go above and beyond for us.
“She’d do anything for Nadine.
“It’s outstanding what Belinda has done and the support we’ve had from the community.
“Jack is such a lovely little boy. He’s already been in touch as wants to take Nadine to a nearby farm to look at the cows and donkeys.”
The farm trip is the idea of Holbeach charity Boxes of Hope which is helping both families, while Belinda says Holbeach United Football Club are donating presents to Nadine for Christmas.
The Go Fund Me page Belinda has set up has already raised £1,175.
She says it aims to cover funeral costs, living expenses while Colin recovers from his surgery and support for Nadine “facing her first Christmas without her mum.”
“On behalf of the family: Thank you for your kindness, compassion and support.
“Please help this Holbeach family at this sad time.”
Jack was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September 2024 after a trip to Specsavers for an eye test.
He had a brain operation the next month though was unable to have full doses of chemotherapy.
In April he started a course of a trial drug and the initial results have been positive with a 40 per cent reduction in the tumour reported.
“It’s a rollercoaster, particularly with Jack being in intensive care in May and June, but hopefully the worst is over,” said Belinda.
Jack Naish, who has a brain tumour, is friends with Nadine.
