Brendan Hills is determined to live his life to the fullest, despite his devasting prognosis.
The 38 year old spent Sunday and Monday in Hanmer Springs, enjoying some precious time with his wife, sister and four children. When one of his sons suggested they go quad biking, Brendan couldn’t resist.
“Once a hoon always a hoon,” he joked. “It was worth a little bit of discomfort, I just want to give it everything and use every last ounce of energy.”
Last week Nelson Weekly revealed that Brendan had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had only weeks to live. It came after he went to Nelson Hospital for pain relief for a sore back and the cancer showed up in scans ordered by doctors.
Brendan, who worked as a project manager, lives in Stoke with his wife Kathryn and his two daughters, aged 8 and 10. His two teenage sons, who live in Wales with his ex-wife, arrived in Nelson on Friday.
Since last week’s story, the community has rallied behind Brendan and his family. More than $50,000 has been donated to a Givealittle page set up to help the family and members of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, for which Brendan is president, and the Marist Rugby Club are hosting fundraisers for him.
On top of that, businesses in Nelson and Hanmer pitched together to give the family two nights in Hanmer. In last week’s article, Brendan said he wanted to make memories with his family in his final weeks.
So, the couple’s lawyer, Craig Morice, started to make some calls and arranged for a car from the Car Company for them to drive, a fuel card, two nights accommodation, tickets to the hot pools, free mountain bike hire, a meal voucher, a food basket and a voucher to The Lolly Shop.
The family drove down on Sunday and Brendan says it’s been a great time. “It’s been amazing, we’ve had a phenomenal day. The support from the community gives you faith in humanity.”
Kathryn says the response has blown her away. “The support has just been incredible. Our community is amazing. Sunday and Monday has been amazing for him, I can’t thank everyone enough.”
Although $55,000 has been raised, the couple’s mortgage is roughly $40,000 a year.
Anyone wanting to donate can head to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-support-kathryn-and-brendans-family
Thanks to the following businesses for donating towards the trip: Car Company Nelson, Top South Media, Monteith’s Brewery Bar, Hanmer Holiday Homes, Hanmer Four Square, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre, The Lolly Shop and to Amanda Charity for helping to organise things in Hanmer.
