Tom Attwater raised enough money to treat his daughter’s illness despite having incurable cancer himself. After fighting for two years Tom Attwater died of a brain tumor. He was 32 years old.
The struggle of a father
Kelli was only three months old when her cancer was discovered and she was able to beat it the first time. Her mother then met with Tom Attwater and the little girl quickly made a big impression on the young man, who he thought of like his daughter.
When the cancer returned in 2012, Tom decided that she should be able to get the best care possible. He therefore set up a fundraising campaign to take care of her needs.
The same year, he discovered he was also suffering from terminal brain cancer. However it did not stop him from getting up every morning, to continue his fight for Kelli.
Kelli beat her cancer a second time, but it’s likely to return in a few years. The objective of the fundraising was to allow her to benefit from a pioneering program in the US when the need arises.
The unconditional love of a father
Thanks to his shear determination, Tom managed to raise half a million pounds in 2014, after the birth of his son Fletcher: “the greatest success of his life.” 2014 is also the year that Tom and Joely married. Knowing his fate, he was aware that he could not be present at the wedding of his daughter Kelli, so he insisted on being accompanied by her the altar at his own marriage. .
He also prepared cards and gifts for upcoming birthdays of his two children, so they continue to grow with the love of their father.
Tom Attwater died Sept. 29 at his home in Staffordshire. He was 32 years old. His widow has set up a memorial fund in his name to fund the fight against brain tumors.