Jason’s biggest journey towards beating cancer

A FORMER senior Army officer diagnosed with a brain tumour as he prepared to swap the frontline for Civvy Street is banking on the kindness of strangers and well-wishers to help him win his biggest battle yet.

Dad of three Jason Evans (44), who served 24 years in the Army, has undergone radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brain surgery since resettling in the Dearne three years ago.

Now he is pinning his hopes on so-called Proton Beam therapy in the USA as he aims to rid himself of the cancer for good.

Jason, whose wife Verona (44) set up the Jason’s Journey Appeal to help cover the £75,000 cost of the cutting-edge treatment, said: “People have been really supportive and there’s a lot of stuff happening in future.

“I cannot say enough thank-yous.”

Jason was preparing for resettlement to civilian life after his long Army career — during which he co-ordinated transport of military VIPs from the frontline in Iraq to embassies in Baghdad and has risen to the rank of Warrant Officer second class — when he lost the power of speech.

He was diagnosed in November 2010 with a benign tumour and put on steroids, which helped to restore his speech.

But three months later the tumour was found to have turned cancerous.

“This new turned our world and plans upside down,” said Verona.

Jason underwent surgery and lengthy courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which reduced the tumour size and stabilised his condition, but the tumour eventually grew again and he need another operation 18 months later.

At its widest, Jason’s tumour was 1.8cm across and although it shrank after treatment, Jason and Verona — who have two sons and a daughter — were disappointed to learn earlier this year that it was growing again.

They believe Proton Beam therapy treatment could make all the difference to his health and his future chances, they believe.

Verona, who is organising a string of fund-raising events, said: “We feel this may be a last chance to treat Jason’s cancer and make him well for some time.

“He has served Queen and country for 24 years, risked his life in the line of duty and now we feel its time we gave him something back.”

Jason, who had begun training as an electrician before leaving the Army, now works for the Northern Gas network, where he is responsible for maintenance and monitoring of gas pipes across the north of England.

He said he was unsure whether his cancer may have been caused by his military career, adding: “The doctors said I could have had the tumour for 15 years without knowing but I thing that’s a bit unlikely as there would surely have been some telltale signs during a 24-year career.

“It could have something to do with some of the situations that I’ve been exposed to while on service but I cannot reveal much due to operational reasons.”

With his Army career behind him, the only battle Jason is thinking about is his fight for health.

And the family’s £75,000 fund-raising target has been boosted by a charity night organised by cancer survivor John Beard, which raised more than £1,000 and a baking sale at Dearne Highgate Primary in Goldthorpe last week.

Further events planned include a fun day and raffle at the Carnegie gym at the Collingwood Club in Bolton on Dearne next Friday and a charity boxing match later in the summer.

“I’ve even had people doing half- marathons for me,” said Jason.

“It’s unbelievable and leaves me with a lump in my throat.

“It’s great that everyone has rallied round me.”

You can donate to the Jason’s Journey fund at https://www.justgiving.com/jasonsjourney