The family of an Ipswich youngster who has bravely battled with a brain tumour since he was five years old has issued a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to his cause, following the news that proton beam therapy was unsuccessful in curing his illness.
Mason Fountain, who previously attended Gusford Primary School, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010 after complaining of nasty headaches.
In the years that followed he underwent two gruelling and lengthy bouts of chemotherapy, major surgery and countless hospital visits, and last year was flown to America where he underwent proton beam therapy.
The treatment itself was funded by the NHS. However, a flood of donations – which led to more than £16,000 being raised – allowed his parents Shelley and Kevin and siblings Jack, Scarlett and Kloie to be by his side throughout.
However, at the end of last year, when Mason began suffering from frequent seizures, the family received the devastating news that the treatment had been unsuccessful in removing or reducing the tumour.
In March, a brain haemorrhage caused his condition to deteriorate further.
Throughout his illness, Mason has shown such courage and bravery and, despite everything that he was going through, was determined to help others facing similar circumstances.
In 2012 his very own charity – Mason’s Magic – was launched to grant wishes to other children also living with brain tumours and their families.
Since its launch, the charity has raised in excess of £20,000 and has provided grants for wishes such as family holidays, days out and iPads, supporting more than 150 families.
It was a cause supported by many well-known names, including Callum Best, Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh, TOWIE stars Kirk and Mick Norcross, weather girl Clare Nasir, Peter Andre, Katie Price, Ricky Gervais and a number of ITFC players. More than 2,000 people followed the charity on Twitter in the two days after its launch.
In 2011, Mason received the Courageous Young Person of the Year Award at the Stars of Suffolk awards ceremony, and in 2013 the Special Recognition Award for his fundraising efforts.
However, his mum Shelley has said that due to Mason’s ill-health at present they no longer have the time or resources to continue running the charity. They are now focusing their efforts to compile a ‘bucket list’ for Mason.
The family posted on the Mason’s Magic Facebook page yesterday to break the news to his 5,000 followers.
One post read: “Mason is terminally ill and we are creating as many memories [and] happy days as possible when he’s up to it.
“Due to the seizures and amount of medication he’s on he sleeps a lot. But when awake he remains happy and our cheeky Mason is still there.”
The family is using the remaining funds to throw a birthday party for Mason at Hamleys Toy Shop in London on October 2, to be attended by 75 other children living with brain tumours and their siblings from across the UK. Mason will turn 12 on October 3.
Speaking to the EADT yesterday, Mrs Fountain said: “With Mason being so unwell we just thought for the time being we will close the fundraising.
“He has been suffering really badly with seizures and this is our main concern at the moment.
“When he’s awake he’s still really good (in his spirits), but most days he sleeps a lot due to the seizures and medication.
“We set it up in 2012. Mason wanted to give something back to other children like himself so we granted treats for children with brain tumours.
“The money we have got left we are using to have a big party in Hamley’s in London.
“We want to thank everyone for supporting him and Mason’s Magic over the last six years since he was diagnosed. And ‘thank you’ to all the companies that have helped and held events.
“The support and fundraising has been amazing.”
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