A dad who underwent surgery to have a cancerous tumour removed had a shock when surgeons found the growth was the size of a rugby ball.
Carlisle man James Allington, known as Jimmy, was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. On December 15th last year he underwent a major surgery to remove a large tumour.
The dad and husband had been on the intensive care unit (ICU) at Royal Freemans hospital in Newcastle since surgeons discovered the size of his tumour.
A fundraiser had now been set up for Jimmy, his wife Denise and his children, who were having to travel back and forth and pay for accommodation in Newcastle.
Jimmy was expected to be on the ward at Royal Freemans for quite some time.
The fundraiser page described Jimmy as a "warrior" who "never gives up".
"Jimmy was undergoing surgery to remove a tumour last month, when doctors found it was the size of a 'rugby ball,'" it read.
"Anyone that has had the pleasure of knowing Jimmy will know what a kind-hearted man he is, a man that would do anything for anyone.
"He deserves to beat cancer and recover from this horrible disease and the many surgeries he has had to endure without the worry and stress of paying for hotels or being concerned for his families well being.
"He deserves to have his family by his side."
Any money donated would pay for accommodation in Newcastle, with funds over and above what was needed for the family to be donated to other families struggling with similar circumstances.
"We have seen with our own eyes the difference in Jimmy when his family are present at his bedside, if we can help make this continue we believe this will have a massive effect on his recovery," the fundraiser read.
The family was also requesting messages of support, videos and cards, along with "anything to lift his spirits" and let him know he was not fighting the battle alone.
