Hi, this is something I never thought I would need to do but here goes..... My brother Stephen and his family, who are from Dublin but live in Leeds, have been given the devastating news that Stephen doesn't have long left to live. He's only 48.

We are all just heartbroken, heartbroken and devastated, especially for his kids, Dean, Daniel, Chloe, Shauna, Sophie and Caitlin and his wife Sharon.

I'm hoping to raise funds for his family for when he's gone, help them have time to process their incredible loss and not have the added burden of financial strains and to help with his funeral costs. Stephen has worked since he was 13, he was always working and up until last year when he took ill, had his own small business. With him unable to work it has added to their financial strain and stress.

Stephen has been fighting this over 7 months. It has been horrible seeing him go through everything. We thought we'd lose him last year after his surgery, it took so much out of him, he was hit with complication after complication, wasting away. After months in hospital, October 2024 to January 2025 including Christmas spent in hospital, he fought and fought to get home. In January he eventually did get home and with Sharon looking after him, he slowly started to eat and build up a bit of strength, he was actually doing so well we were amazed and so were the doctors. We were looking forward to some family get togethers and even talking about what we could all do for Christmas to make up for him spending last years in hospital.

Then last month, May 25th came the cruel blow...... Stephen didn't feel well so went to the hospital and after some tests, scans and discussions he was told that the surgery he had in November to repair the tear in his aorta has not lasted as long as they had hoped and because of the bacterial infection there is now severe structural deterioration of the aorta. The next day they performed an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to reinforce the weakened area and prevent rupture but he was told it wasn't enough to make a difference and nothing more can be done. He's also lost blood flow to his right leg which brings another set of complications and adding to his pain.

He's now back home being cared for by his wife Sharon who has been incredible and loved by his kids. But unfortunately it won't be long before we have to say goodbye to Stephen, their Da, Sharon's husband, mine and my sisters brother, my ma and da's son. It absolutely kills me to think about that. And I feel so helpless that I can't stop this unimaginable pain we are going to feel.

So, if you can help them by donating or sharing please do, it will mean so much and be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this message.

Take care x

Jean

Just to add, it says my location is England but that's because my brother lives in Leeds, in England. Him and his family are the beneficiaries.

Thanks for your understanding.