A group of nine friends are preparing to go on a 20 mile fundraiser walk in support of their close friend, Leon Skapars who has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
The walk will begin at the Big Help Stadium in Southport on Sunday 2nd of August. Mr Skapars is a passionate Evertonian, so suitably, the walk will end at Everton’s new home ground Hill Dickinson stadium.
Walk organiser, Paul Mills, stated: “Leon is one of the best people you’ll ever meet. He’s the sort of person who would drop everything to help someone else, without ever expecting anything in return. Now it’s our turn to be there for him. We want Leon, his fiancée and his three boys to know they’re not facing this battle alone.”
Mr Skapars is 35-years-old and a self employed plasterer. His friends and family have described him as a hard working man who has spent years working to provide for his family.
Lewis Mungo, a close friend and joiner who has worked alongside him, stated: “On site, Leon’s always been the first one in and the last one out the door, thinking ahead and making sure everyone is looked after. That’s just who he is.”
Mr Skapars is a father to three boys, aged 10, 4 and 2. He was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer called sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with rhabdoid features and necrosis. Doctors told him he had no more than three years to live, meaning he will not see his youngest son grow past 5-years-old.
Following three months of immunotherapy treatment, the cancer continued to spread. Doctors have advised that the treatment available through the NHS can now only help slow the progression of the disease.
Mr Skapars’ friends are now raising funds via GoFundMe to access innovative treatments that are not available to him on the NHS.
The GoFundMe page has an initial target of £5000. Donations will go towards accessing alternative treatment options and easing the financial pressures that come with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The nine friends are now appealing to businesses, community organisations and members of the public across Merseyside, West Lancashire and beyond to support the fundraiser through sponsorship and donations. A Facebook page is now live, allowing people to follow updates and track the group’s progress as preparations continue.
Walker, Joe Fillis stated: “Everyone wants to do their bit. People are giving up their time; businesses are getting involved and friends and family are rallying round. It shows just how much Leon means to so many people.”
