Tom Attwater died on September 29 at the age of 32-year-old at his home in Pattingham, Staffordshire, with his family by his side. Tom Attwate suffered from a terminal brain tumour.
When Tom Attwater met single mum Joely Smith and her two-year-old daughter Kelli . He knew that they wer special. Kelli had battled cancer when she was just three months old and Tom became like a father to the little girl.
Kelli suffered from neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid cancer in childhood and the most common cancer in infancy. It can be developed from the nerve tissues on the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
In September 2012, things were to take a tragic turn when a brain scan showed that Kelli's cancer had returned and Tom himself was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor.
Kelli had successful surgery to remove the new tumours but it is very likely that she will have a relapse again, and the only way to secure her future is an expensive treatment abroad . Despite his own prognosis Tom was determined to raise the money, so that when he's gone little Kelli can receive the treatment she needs.
He was vowed to raise approximately $820,200.00 for her cancer treatment, even if he wouldn't be around to see her go through it.
Fundraising entailed a lot of hard work, but he wanted the best for Kellie. He wanted her to have a chance to life.
A heartbroken Mrs. Attwater, who had Kelli from a previous relationship, married Tom in April 2014, said: "Tom gave me the happiest moments of my life and I am in indescribable pain now he has gone. I knew one day I would lose him but did not think it would be this soon. I can't even comprehend how I am supposed to live the rest of my life without my best friend."
