TRIBUTE has been paid to a ‘brave and kind’ dad-of-two who has died after a long battle with cancer.
John Turner from Tiddington was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2009 which spread around his body, most recently to his bowel and liver.
Despite a crowd-funding campaign to pay for treatment that he hoped could potentially lengthen his life, the 38-year-old died at Myton Hospice on Friday September 7 surrounded by family.
The fund-raising campaign saw nearly £30,000 donated in a matter of days.
John had even sold his beloved kit car to help pay for the treatment, and his son had donated £50 which his dad had given him for ‘something special’.
The money will now pay for John’s funeral with the remainder going to his wife Sam.
John’s mum Jayne Berks said: “My very brave, precious son fought with all his might. We were just too late to catch the cancer this time. It was so heartbreaking to watch and John was still so kind, caring and considerate until the end. The cancer was vicious and cruel. John wanted to thank everyone himself but the pain relief made him unable to do so.
“John is a warrior and we are all so proud of him. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband and daddy. He was fighting to stay with his family and we are so heartbroken.
“Sam will get all the funds to help her and the children and help with funeral costs. They would also like to donate some to the charities which helped John.
“My heart is in pieces for my very brave son.”
The former project leader at Jaguar Land Rover in Coventry was remembered by his colleagues.
Cruz Green, who worked with him, said: “We are all heartbroken beyond belief. Our deepest sympathy to John’s amazing family. John was the kindest, most generous person anyone could wish to call a friend. He’s touched all our hearts and we will always remember him as the beautiful person he was.
“He will be hugely missed by every one of us who was lucky enough to have met him.”
John’s funeral will be held at St James’ Church in Alveston on Friday (September 28) at 11.30am.
His wife Sam said: “His last wish was for an amazing send off with as many people there as possible.”
