{"id":27559,"date":"2021-10-18T03:14:51","date_gmt":"2021-10-18T03:14:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmshub.wpengine.com\/?p=358007"},"modified":"2024-11-03T15:14:12","modified_gmt":"2024-11-03T15:14:12","slug":"community-comes-together-to-give-terminally-ill-father-one-last-christmas-surprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/community-comes-together-to-give-terminally-ill-father-one-last-christmas-surprise\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Comes Together To Give Terminally Ill Father One Last Christmas Surprise"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Christmas is a time that many families cherish. It\u2019s a special time of the year that extends beyond just Christmas day, but to a whole season. For some, Christmas is the best time of year and it\u2019s something we look forward to sharing with our loved ones for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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But for those of a certain age or who\u2019ve been dealt an unlucky hand in life, they may not have years to come to enjoy the holiday season.<\/span><\/p>\n

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While it\u2019s true that none of us know what the future holds or when our last day on earth will be, there are some who\u2019ve received a diagnosis that they won\u2019t survive to see another Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Pexels\/Jonathan Borba<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That was the case for Matthew Sandbrook of Warndon, Worcester. The 36-year-old father of three loves Christmas and wanted nothing more than to spend it with his kids and partner, Becki. Sadly, he was recently diagnosed<\/a> with an aggressive glioblastoma brain tumor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The tumor was incurable and doctors estimated Sandbrook had 3 months left to live \u2013 meaning, he wouldn\u2019t live to see another Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Matthew\u2019s cousin, Nikki, wanted to do anything she could to help, so she got on social media and put out a plea to help bring an early Christmas to Mattew. The community responded beautifully, and hundreds of people gathered outside the Sandbrook home to bring some holiday cheer and celebrate with Mattew one last time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Facebook\/Tom Rean<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tom Rean was at the special event and filmed the whole thing to share with the world. The celebration included carol singing, decorations, and even a snow machine. Some people dressed up in Christmas-themed costumes and others brought Christmas decor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe have really brought the Christmas spirit to Warndon \u2013 we really did it,\u201d Nikki said to Worcester News<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Facebook\/Tom Rean<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The event was full of laughs, tears, and joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Matt said<\/a> he plans to spend the rest of his days making memories with his kids and family. He added, \u201cI dont want anyone to feel sad for me when the time comes. [Just] have a beer an give me a smile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch the video below to see the early Christmas gathering:<\/span><\/p>\n

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