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Charity being set up in memory of Jayden Powell one year after brave teenager's death

14:08, 16 August 2019

updated: 15:42, 16 August 2019

The family of a brave teenager who inspired more than £300,000 of fundraising as he battled a brain tumour are setting up a charity in his memory.

Jayden Powell was diagnosed during an eye test in 2017 and spent much of last year travelling to the Hallwang Clinic in Germany for immunotherapy, which is not available on the NHS.

The treatment was funded thanks to a huge community effort, which saw friends and family donate thousands of pounds to help the teen beat the tumour.

Jayden, from West Malling, seemed to be responding well, and plans were being made to celebrate his 18th birthday on August 30, however relatives were told shortly after that he had suffered an infection.

The former Aylesford School pupil died, surrounded by his loved ones, just two weeks before the big day.

Now, a year on, his parents are in the process of setting up a charity so bereaved families or those with sick children can take a short holiday for some respite.

They are looking to buy a caravan for families to enjoy at the Romney Sands holiday park, where a bench in Jayden's memory has also been installed.

A bench has been installed in Jayden Powell's memory at the Romney Sands holiday park (15012182)
A bench has been installed in Jayden Powell's memory at the Romney Sands holiday park (15012182)

Dad Steve said: "It's been a really tough year, we've all had counselling and we all miss him like mad.

"I'll tell people I'm alright, but I'm not alright.

"I think about him every 10 seconds, it's horrible.

Jayden Powell, with dad Steve
Jayden Powell, with dad Steve

"Christmas was probably the hardest period because that's a time you really want to spend with your whole family - you never expect to be burying your children.

"But we had such a fantastic fundraising response we wanted to try and do something to help other families going through a similar thing.

"The whole ordeal was horrendous, we seemed to hit brick wall after brick wall trying to get him treatment and it was really tough for everyone.

Funeral of Jayden Powell, East Malling and balloon launch in Teapot Lane, Aylesford. Jayden's coffin is carried into church. Picture: Matthew Walker. (4070097)
Funeral of Jayden Powell, East Malling and balloon launch in Teapot Lane, Aylesford. Jayden's coffin is carried into church. Picture: Matthew Walker. (4070097)

"My message to people would be to seek health advice as early as possible and always get a second opinion - if the NHS say they can't do something, there might be help available overseas."

The family are to mark what would have been his 19th birthday later this month by setting off balloons at the holiday park.

The charity, FamilyForeverJP, is expected to be set up in the coming weeks, along with a number through which people can donate by text.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

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