Westbury man organises fundraiser to support brother with cancer

A WESTBURY man is holding a charity fundraising event called the F Cancer Fundraiser for his brother who has terminal cancer – and he is asking for local people and businesses to get involved. 

Mark Jessop is raising money for his brother, Iain, so Iain can create memories with his family and help them financially in the future.  

The fundraising event will take place at the Leigh Park Community Centre on Saturday 11th November from 6pm to 11.30pm and Mark has organised live music with indie rock band Hard to Handle, an acoustic act, a DJ and a raffle with over £1,000 worth of prizes on offer. 

This includes a three-month personal trainer course with Owen from The Gym Westbury, a pet portrait by Gavin Walkinshaw, a hotel overnight stay in Swindon with free breakfast, dinner and use of facilities and much more. 

Explaining why he set up the fundraiser, Mark said, “Iain is a father of two (aged six and nine), partner to Claire, a son, an uncle and my brother. Last August, Iain developed a mass on his foot that turned out to be a very aggressive sarcoma and had to have his leg amputated below the knee. 

“Despite this, Iain recovered from surgery, went through physio and got fitted with an artificial leg. He has recently got a mobility car and just started driving again. Things were looking really positive given his initial diagnosis. We as a family breathed a sigh of relief.  

“A follow up scan in July however showed a sarcoma on Iain’s lung. The cancer has spread and is incurable. Iain is currently going through very strong chemotherapy hopefully to help shrink the cancer and give more time. The treatment however will never cure the cancer.  

“As his brother, I’m hosting a fundraising event at the Leigh Park Community Centre which has a maximum capacity of 160 people and we will be raising funds for Iain via ticket sales and a raffle. We have secured a free venue, live acts, and are hosting a live raffle. I’m reaching out to local companies for donations.  

“Iain loves his girls and needs to make precious memories with them and help plan for their future. When his eldest got upset about him no longer being here to love he simply said, ‘I will always be in your heart’. I would love to help them make memories before it’s too late and help him ensure his girls’ future.  

“He has twice shaved his head for friends suffering from cancer and plays a very active role in his employer’s charity work; little dreaming that people may someday do the same for him. He is a rock, kind, considerate and generous.” 

If you’re interested in supporting the cause you can contact Mark on music.mj72@gmail.com or on 07736 926912.  

Tickets can be bought on the door (cash only) and the suggested donation is £5 for children and £10 for adults.