DONATIONS have been urged to help a man in Rhuddlan complete his “bucket list” after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Steve Jackson, 69, was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive and incurable form of cancer earlier this week.
His children, Ben and Sammie, have since set up a fundraiser page on the website GoFundMe, asking people to help make his remaining weeks and months as enjoyable as possible.
A total of £1,445 has so been raised, with a £5,000 target set – you can add to this by visiting: www.gofundme.com/f/bucket-list-for-our-beautiful-dad.
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Already, plans are in place for Steve to enjoy matchday hospitality with his family at Old Trafford, when his beloved Manchester United host Fulham on February 24.
Steve, who was “born and bred in Rhyl” before moving to Rhuddlan, was hailed as a “father figure” by his nephew, Dane Jones.
Dane said: “There’s no treatment - they’ve said he can have one dose of radiotherapy, but they want to save that for a couple of weeks’ time, when he’ll be desperate for it for pain relief.
“He’s got a bucket list of things he wants to do – a log cabin somewhere for a couple of nights, Manchester United tickets, a rock concert, a comedy show, a hot air balloon ride, a trip to Knowsley Safari Park, and a canal barge pub crawl.
“I was in a band in Rhyl for years, but we haven’t played together for 10 years. Steve has asked if we’d play one more gig, so if anyone wants to come and have a last drink for him, the band are going to be playing one last time for him.
“For me, he was like a father figure growing up. He came to every single gig we played. He’s just a really nice guy; everyone likes him. Nobody’s got a bad word to say about him.
“He’s just a likeable, funny character, who would do anything for anyone. He’s always the life and soul of the party, making people laugh, and putting others first.”
In a statement posted on the GoFundMe page, Steve’s son, Ben, said the news of his dad’s diagnosis was “devastating”.
As yet, it is not known how long Steve likely has left to live.
Ben wrote: “This news has come as a complete shock to us, and completely out of the blue.
“We would love the chance to make precious memories in the last weeks and months with our dad while we still can.
“Any amount that you could kindly donate to help us make these precious memories with our beloved father would be greatly appreciated.
“Please hold your nearest and dearest close while you still can.”
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