Ewan, you ROCK! Fighting cancer at 17!

Firstly, I hope that everyone reading this is safe and well amidst the Covid-19 heartache. It’s definitely testing times personally, professionally and for all the people of the world. Wishing you much love and light to you and yours.

As a family, we are facing our own horrendous sadness, our eldest son Ewan who is 17 has had sudden onset of mature t-cell lymphoma and has a cancerous tumour wrapped around his spinal cord. Since 10th April he has been in hospital and has already had major spinal surgery to remove the tumour which grew back within a week as it is so aggressive.  He is now on chemotherapy to blast this awful and relentless disease. The chemotherapy treatment will last at least 6 months.

Ewan in his element!

Ewan with Harrison and Katie, looking dapper for his high school prom night 2019!

Fun in France with his little brother, sister and stepmum!

Ewan celebrating his 17th birthday on 13th March 2020!

A little younger with his dad, stepmum and a little brother hiding!


Bit about our amazing Ewan

I’ve been in Ewan’s life since he turned 5 years old and what a special gift he is. He’s not only my eldest boy, he’s my friend who I adore hugely. He is a super big brother to Oliver who is 9 and Sophie who is 4 and he has lived with us full time in Halifax, West Yorkshire since he turned 12 years old. His dad Chris and I have just seen him flourish over the last few years...

He is mega loved and supported by us, his mum and her partner Dave, all his grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, all our wider family and friends plus his own super friends.

Ewan has a hugely kind soul and a determined inner spirit. He is wonderful company: charming with a gorgeous smile, and has a massive love of music especially prog rock. You can’t help but like him. He has no ego and just oozes kindness and endless selflessness, with great conversation and a wicked sense of humour.

He studies at the prestigious BIMM Institute  in Manchester doing an artist development diploma in music performance – guitar. He is a very talented guitarist with a huge future ahead of him.

Ewan's massive talent!

and more fabulous playing!

He also has a love of animals and a sensitive calm soul…just think Dr Doolittle (without the talking).

Christmas fun with his little brother Oliver who looks up to him immensely! Plus Ewan is so kind to him, even when he's being annoying!

With his little sister Sophie who absolutely adores him!

A Christmas tradition since Ewan was 5...gingerbread house making on Christmas day! Now with his little brother and sister...

 
Why the ‘Ewan, you ROCK!’ campaign?

The ‘Ewan, you ROCK!’ campaign has been set up by me, Jannine, his step mum in honour of the wonderful young man Ewan is. Throughout all of his time alone in hospital for two weeks, a major operation to remove the tumour, then the news of cancer to be sent on a whirlwind journey into the awesome Teenage Cancer Unit in Leeds General Infirmary and a forward plan of 6 months of chemo while enduring daily physio to regain some movement in his legs as he is currently unable to walk…Ewan:

·       is being so positive - he hasn't moaned once

·       is being inspirational and strong

·       is showing courage through awful pain and discomfort

·       has a mature calmness about him

·       is being a shining light of bravery and flexibility

·       has been pragmatic about shaving his gorgeous hair going through chemo

We couldn’t be any prouder of Ewan…he is an awesome superstar who we love beyond words.

Ewan on 5th May 2020, just before his head is shaved as his hair had begun to fall out!

Ewan looking just as handsome and brave with his new look!

 
Ewan’s Dream

Through the ‘Ewan, you ROCK!’ campaign we want to help Ewan live his dream of visiting his music hero and inspiration, Steve Vai in his LA music studio.

Steve has been unbelievable support sending videos and emails to Ewan while he has been in hospital and he HAS CONFIRMED that Ewan can visit him once he is able to:

'Also, you mention Ewan’s dreams of visiting the USA, California and my home studio. Well, I would be delighted. When Ewan is back to feeling well enough to travel, and if he eventually plans a trip to LA, I would be happy to meet him at my studio. I would also be interested in hearing more of what his goals are. Perhaps I can make some suggestions on achieving them'.        Steve's reply on 29th April 2020 in response to Ewan's  stepmums video to Steve.


  Ewan is beyond excited! Thank you Steve…you are a heavenly beautiful soul!



 How will we raise the funds?

Three of Ewan’s friends and I will be joining Ewan through his chemo journey and through pure love and support we are shaving our hair off to be on that journey with him.

His friend’s names are Chloe Ford, Harrison Sheard and Alfie Morris.

Beautiful, kind Chloe who Ewan has met through BIMM college!

Awesome Harrison, his high school partner in friendship crime!

Amazing Alfie, who Ewan has met through BIMM college!

Loving stepmothership Jannine!
 

Fundraising ambition - £60,000

This is to ensure Ewan can have the time of his life travelling to see Steve Vai once he is able to.

Plus...funds for the awesome Teenage Cancer Trust who built the ward that Ewan is on at Leeds General Infirmary and provide the specialists nurses, support staff, leisure provisions...the list is endless. Please read about them here  as they are beyond fabulous! They are the only UK charity who are dedicated to supporting teenagers and young adults from 13 - 24 years old.




I will donate my hair for a better cause. Unfortunately, due to covid-19 I’m still finding someone who will accept my hair which is over 17 inch long.

When will the head shave happen?

It’s happening without a doubt…it will be more special if we can get some money in the fund pot ASAP to spur us all on. 

Jannine, Ewan's step mum will be saying 'farewell to her hair' with online parties over May and early June for her long blond locks. She will then update you all with videos and pictures mid June when all the hair is off for all 4 of these amazing people who love Ewan!

How to donate

CLICK ON THE YELLOW BUTTON NOW!

Jannine will then send you a message with much love and thanks for your kindness.

Special Thanks

Special thanks go out to all the amazing NHS/ Teenage Cancer Trust angels who have looked after Ewan in Calderdale Royal Hospital, Leeds General Infirmary Neurosurgery and the Teenage Cancer Unit. Every person has been unbelievably awesome. The teenage Cancer Trust personnel, key worker, social worker, disability experts, physios…the list could go on. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping to save Ewan’s life, he is in the safest of hands.

‘Just doing our jobs’ will never be acceptable in our eyes…you are angels in human clothes.