Today marks the second anniversary of the death of Ethan Treharne (pictured back left with his parents and siblings) lost to a glioblastoma (GBM) at the age of 17.
A true sports enthusiast, who particularly enjoyed football and basketball, Ethan was 15 and busy preparing for his GCSEs when he experienced a headache which gradually became unbearable. Then he texted his dad, Justin, from school to say “I can’t find my words. I need a doctor’s appointment”. This was the catalyst that led to a scan and eventually the realisation that “our lives would never be the same”.
Ethan endured three operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, developed epilepsy and underwent private immunotherapy treatment in Germany, but nothing could save him.
Mum Nikki remembers that Ethan never complained and “stood strong in the face of this awful disease”. He had a daily routine of taking 26 tablets spilt over morning and night regimens for which he set three alarms as reminders.
A year ago the family set up Fundraising Group A New Hope for Ethan which is focusing on campaigning and fundraising towards better treatment options and ultimately a cure for brain tumours. Since Ethan died, a skydive raised more than £5,500 for Brain Tumour Research and a Celebrity Soccer Match took place in January this year on Ethan’s 19th birthday which Danielle Harold and Danny Dyer, both known for their roles on EastEnders, participated in, among other famous names.
A similar event is now being planned for January to mark what would have been Ethan’s 20th birthday.
We send our love to all who grieve for Ethan.
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