A Newcastle couple facing a 'crushing' stage four cancer diagnosis are preparing for their 'dream' wedding after bringing the ceremony forward. Jonny Bell, 38, received the devastating news on June 17 and will marry his partner Rebecca Robertson, 35, on Saturday, July 6.
Diagnosis and prognosis
Jonny's condition 'snowballed' over recent months, starting with a persistent cough or chest infection that led to the discovery of several large tumours. He has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, for which there are treatment options but no cure. His prognosis is less than two years.
Jonny is undergoing chemotherapy to slow the cancer's impact. The couple, who have been together for 18 years, say their lives have 'fallen apart' since the diagnosis. They have a 10-month-old son named Harry.
Wedding brought forward
The wedding was moved up to ensure Jonny is in the best possible health. His friend and colleague Callum Tiffin set up a GoFundMe page to financially support the family. It has already raised £15,220, with a goal of £16,000. The couple say they are 'blown away' by the support.
Rebecca said: 'People have been crazily generous, and I really feel like we needed the GoFundMe page as a ray of light in all of the doom and gloom. It has been so nice seeing all of the donations come in, and it feels like everyone has come together to support us.'
Planning and memories
Rebecca, a district nurse, has had three weeks to organise the wedding. 'It has been manic, but everyone has been really accommodating for us,' she said. Some of the funds will be set aside for Harry, and Jonny is creating videos for his son to watch at important life milestones, ensuring his dad remains part of his life.
Rebecca added: 'I have just been trying to keep busy as much as possible, as I think if I spend too long thinking about it then that is when it will become too much. Seeing how many people have donated has really touched my heart. Cancer is a b**ch, and we are determined to make as many memories as we possibly can.'
Community support
Callum Tiffin, 35, who works with Jonny at LNER at Newcastle Central Station, said: 'Me and Jonny have got on so well since we started working on the railway together. It has been really heart-warming to see that the rail community has come together to support Jonny. People have been sending their best wishes his way from work, and we are behind him.'
