Anthony Tonkin

Hello to all the friends and relatives of the Tonkin family.

 

As most of you have heard by now, the month of August brought news which has rocked us all and turned the life of the Tonkin family upside down.

Anthony, the much-loved husband of Meg, father of seven: Prue (Garth and Trent), Hollye, Monique, Nate, Raph, Germain and Joachim, bricklayer/landscaper and avid Sydney Swan supporter found out that he has two brain tumours.  This is not what he was expecting as a very young, fit and healthy 55 year old. Meg would even say he’s not too bad looking.

 

The story is this….over the past couple of months, Anthony just hasn’t felt quite right. He thought that the problem with his left knee and the bit of weakness in his left arm were probably due to overwork. He thought perhaps he’d take a rest and get over it. But when his driving started to be affected and his speech started to slur and became a bit disconnected, the family became more concerned. Then the left side of his face drooped a bit …… it was time to go to the doctor. The rounds of tests and scans began, and the results were alarming.

 

One tumour, deeply embedded in the right side of his brain and a completely different tumour lay more central, but aggressive. The doctors explained that operating presented huge risks of left sided paralysis and other complications - and they couldn’t promise that it would be successful. After more than a week in the hospital, Anthony came home to be with his family. He and his wonderful wife, Meg, who had been at his side through all this,  had to think about, research and discuss their options. Meanwhile, Hollye and Phillip arrived from England, and many loved relatives made their way to the family home. Offers of help, meals and expressions of concern came from everywhere for this beautiful family. In turn, the family thank everyone who is praying for Anthony and asks them to continue their prayers for him and the family.  Anthony is very resigned to the will of God, but is a firm believer in ‘praying like it depends on God and working like it depends on us’. The family want to give it their best shot to have their Dad healthy and cancer free again.

 Anthony is still in consultation with doctors and deciding on the best option. He is considering what they have to offer in addition to the advantages of intensive non-invasive therapies. Either way, treatment has to start soon.  His main concern is to be resigned to the will of God.


 

This venture hopes to raise $50,000 for the family.  Needless to say, the family has also lost their breadwinner for the time being and are facing some financial difficulties.  Please give generously to this fund and be reassured that the family is most grateful for your donations and especially your prayers.