Fundraising appeal in memory of Milo, 5 – the third member of one York family to die of a brain tumour

A crowdfunding appeal for a York family hit by three tragedies has already raised more than £13,000.

It was set up following the death of Milo Hughes, aged five, of a brain tumour.

Milo, from Dunnington, was “kind and wonderful” and a “joy to have around” his mum Marie told the York Press.

Milo’s brother Oscar died of a tumour in 2014, and his father Ian succumbed to a brain tumour last year.

Now Zoe Rees-Gay has set up a fundraising campaign for mum Marie and her sons Sebastian and Lucas to go on holiday to the USA.

They have already raised more than £13,000 of their £15K target.

Zoe writes: “Marie and Ian had three wonderful boys, Sebastian, Oscar and Lucas. In 2013 Oscar was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“He went through months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and put all his energy into staying strong for his siblings and friends, as well as fundraising for other children with cancer.

“Oscar died in May 2014 and following his death, Marie and Ian set up a charity in his name that focused on research into paediatric brain tumours. Thanks to Marie’s work, OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity has raised over £500,000 and funded numerous cutting edge research programmes.

“Milo was born in 2015, and not long after Ian was diagnosed firstly with sarcoma, and then with a brain tumour.

“Ian succumbed to his brain tumour in January 2020 and weeks after his funeral Milo was also diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“On 24 May 2021 Milo died, aged 5. Marie, Sebastian and Lucas have endured heartache and heartbreak that no family should have to suffer.

“Marie and Ian wanted to take their boys to America but were never able to. We’d love to make this happen for Marie, Seb and Lucas.”

One donor wrote: “Devastating news. Marie and her wonderful family are amazing and their strength is unmatched. We hope you reach your goal here and have a wonderful holiday in America.”