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Family launch fundraiser so Hawkinge man can achieve goal on bucket list

A man who is living with terminal cancer during lockdown is still committed to achieving some of his bucket list goals.

Neil Evenden, from Hawkinge near Folkestone, was told in January he has between six and 12-months to live following his diagnosis with rare Angiosarcoma cancer.

Neil Evenden, from Hawkinge, has a rare form of cancer. All picture from the family
Neil Evenden, from Hawkinge, has a rare form of cancer. All picture from the family

The former soldier designed a bucket list - including riding a horse, driving a race car and flying in a Spitfire plane - but due to the coronavirus-imposed lockdown is currently unable to complete some of his dreams.

But one of his goals, to learn to play the saxaphone, is possible while staying at home.

Now, wife Dawn - who married Neil in February this year - and step-daughter Nicole have launched an online fundraiser to purchase the instrument for Neil, 55.

Nicole, 16, said: "My step dad was told he has six to 12-months to live.

"He has Angiosarcoma cancer which is a rare blood vessel cancer mainly effecting the head, neck and face.

Neil and wife Dawn married earlier this year
Neil and wife Dawn married earlier this year

"All his and mum's dreams of wedding anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, owning their own home and all the other things newlyweds dream of were dashed with one sentence.

"Due to coronavirus and the UK being on lockdown, Neil won’t be able to do all the things on his ‘bucket list’ that we had hoped.

"However, he would love to learn to play the saxophone, which he can do from the safety of our home while he continues his palliative chemotherapy.

"So we have set up a JustGiving page to enable us to make this dream come true.

"We would like to fill the rest of his days with happy memories.

Neil with step daughter Nicole
Neil with step daughter Nicole

"We want him to enjoy the little time he has left with his loved ones."

The family are hoping to raise £600 for the instrument.

Nicole, a pupil at St Edmund's School in Dover, added: "He's already really excited about getting it and it's something to look forward too.

"Mum and I are so pleased to be able to do something for him.

"There are a few tutorials on Youtube but we could look at online lessons too."

Neil with sister Rachael and mum Rita
Neil with sister Rachael and mum Rita

Neil, who was a member of the the Household Calvery, was first diagnosed with cancer in summer 2019 and was initially told that with chemotherapy treatment he would live a normal life.

But it was in January this year he was given the devastating news that he only had six to 12-months to live.

A month later in February, he married partner of four years Dawn.

But as well as money for the bucket list, the family also want to raise awareness of the disease after Neil was initially misdiagnosed four times after developing a mark on his cheek.

The first time he went to the doctor he was told it was eczema, before being told it was a dermatology infection.

Neil with family dog Alfie
Neil with family dog Alfie

The mark was also diagnosed as rosacea and another dermatology infection before it was correctly identified as cancer.

It was only after he was seen by a nurse, who recognised the symptoms, that a biopsy was performed.

Nicole said: "We want to raise awareness for Angiosarcoma because it is such a rare but life limiting condition that robs people of their loved ones in such a devastating way."

To support the fundraiser, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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