Local businesses show support to dying father’s foundation

TWO local businesses have donated £400 to a father who has been diagnosed with a terminal condition and is raising money to establish a foundation to support bereaved children.

Total Carpets and TJ Professional Builders, who are both based in the Market Place, presented Nick Jones – father to two teenage children – with their cheques for £200 each, earlier this month.

Nick, who lives in Westbury, has experienced heart problems since 2012 after a small stroke. He was later diagnosed with malignant hypertension, a terminal illness that attacks the heart and internal organs.

He is currently being assisted by Dorothy House, who are helping him through his end-of-life care. He was determined to set-up ‘The Nick Jones Foundation for Bereaved Children’ after noticing a lack of support for children living with loss.

Speaking to Melksham News about the donations, Nick said, “There’s the old saying that every penny counts, and for us being new – there’s a lot of structural stuff to set up to be a foundation – this means a lot!

“The generosity knocks me off my feet. I come from a humble background – to be given these cheques, it means the world to me. It helps me to leave something behind. On our foundation T-shirts it says, ‘If you can’t make a mark, leave a mark’ and that’s what I intend to do – to help everyone else. This is worth its weight in gold to me.”

Since receiving his diagnosis, Nick has been busy fundraising for his cause and next month plans to climb Everest with a team of friends.

“My doctor has said, ‘I don’t think you’re going to come back Nick,’ so I guess I’m going through that process now of dealing with that news. But I’m definitely committed to going, without a doubt. Having an  awareness of that is difficult – I’ve got to accept it – that’s what I’m going through now.

“I don’t know what to expect – I do know what to expect about reaching Everest base camp, but climbing to Island peak, which is another few thousand feet, there are some butterflies – but I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.”

Total Carpets and TJ Professional Builders have also organised a charity raffle to raise money for Nick’s cause. For £2, entrants have a chance of winning a champagne gift box, or a wine gift box as a runners-up prize. To enter, visit Total Carpets in the Market Place.

If you would like to donate to ‘The Nick Jones Foundation for Bereaved Children’, visit their Go Fund Me page at www.gofundme.com/NickJonesFoundation.