Crowdfunder set up for Medway dad Ryan Mills after brain tumour diagnosis
06:00, 10 April 2021
updated: 16:19, 10 April 2021
A previously healthy young dad does not know how much longer he has to live after being dealt the devastating news he has an inoperable brain tumour.
Ryan Mills was taken to hospital just after Christmas and his health has rapidly declined since. Two weeks ago he returned to hospital after a fall and was given the diagnosis.
The 33-year-old steel erector was told he had diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) - a highly aggressive and difficult to treat brain tumour found at the base of the brain.
Now his close-knit band of friends have rallied round to set up a fundraising page to help the Maidstone resident create more memories to treasure with his two daughters, Maya, 18 months, and Aria, aged three, their mum Tamyra, his parents and extended family.
Liane Bealey, who set up the page said: "This is all about the girls and the time they have left. The money will help Ryan make memories with them and his mum Sharon that will last a long time after he's gone.
"It's about the laughter, experiences and smiles in the weeks ahead."
The family have already received a huge amount of support from the local community as well as generous donations towards the £10,000 target.
The Lower Bush Alpacas in Cuxton has said the family can visit and spend some time with the animals and Howletts has donated passes for the whole family.
Aria will turn four at the end of April and Ryan's local Morrisons have offered to cater the party, donated presents and are fundraising in store.
He's also a fan of Gillingham Football Club and after his auntie got in touch, Ryan was thrilled to get a call from manager Steve Evans.
Ms Bealey added: "Ryan doesn't want anything special, when we asked him he says he just wants to spend time with the girls and do normal things like having a nice breakfast with them."
There are more plans for fundraising events when restrictions allow them to do so.
Ryan is currently at King's College Hospital, London.
Ryan currently lives with his parents in Maidstone but was brought up in Medway.
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