Neighbors delivered Christmas early to dad diagnosed with brain tumor

By Bradley Stokes via SWNS

A dad of three who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor celebrated Christmas early after 200 well-wishers threw him a surprise festive street party.

Matthew Sandbrook, 36, was devastated after doctors found a tennis ball-sized lump last week after he complained of headaches.

He was diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma, a rare brain cancer, and told it was unlikely that he would survive to see Christmas.

"The doctors told me 'it's bad news' and told me I had three months to live," Matthew said.

"I probably have less than that and I don't know if I'll see the end of this week."

His family was so determined to show their support, they launched an online appeal to throw Matthew a final festive bash.

Incredibly, on Wednesday night, October 6, over 200 people- including family, friends, neighbors and strangers- turned up outside his home.

Well-wishers donned Christmas sweaters and sang carols and festive hits, while volunteers even arranged for a fake snow machine and DJ to perform.

Footage shows a stunned Matthew opening the front door of his home in Worcester, England to cheers from the crowd.

He was then hugged by his partner Rebecca Rushton – who was also celebrating her 34th birthday – and their three sons, Connor, 15, Kyle, 13, and Tyler, nine.

The crowd sang Ben E. King’s "Stand By Me" before belting out a string of Christmas classics including Shakin' Stevens, Slade and The Pogues.

Matthew, a factory supervisor, had been suffering headaches for two years, but dismissed them and took paracetamol every day.

"I work night shifts and just thought the headaches were stress, so I just popped paracetamols and carried on," he said.

"During the summer, I had noticed little changes in me, I became a bit withdrawn and didn't like making eye contact with people.

"Then one night I was trying to do something at work, which I'd done hundreds of times before, and my mind just went blank.

"I started sweating and had to ask a colleague to take me home. The next morning I couldn't even walk and had to crawl upstairs.

"Becky called an ambulance and I was taken to hospital where they said I'd suffered a seizure."

After a series of tests, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer spreading through his brain and spinal cord.

"I want to tell people that if they are suffering from headaches to get themselves checked out," Matthew said.

"It's too late for me. I'm a dead man walking, but maybe someone out there might be saved if they go to their doctor."

On Monday, October 4, Matthew shared the devastating news with his friends and family in a heart-rending Facebook post where he admitted he was "doomed."

“So here it is. I've been diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma brain tumour deep down were nothing can save me," he wrote.

“From the moment I got this fkin (sic) thing I was doomed..

“I'm being hit with high intensive radiotherapy treat over the next 3 weeks. Just to buy me precious time.

“But if this makes me to weak I'll stop and spend the rest of what I've got at home with my boys and Bec and all my family.

“I don’t want anyone to feel sad for me when the time comes. Just have a beer and give me a smile.

“I’ve been dealt a sh*t hand an it's so cruel. Love you all Mat xxx.”

The early Christmas party was arranged by Matthew’s cousin Nikki Lee.

“Matty is such a lovely man, we were heartbroken when we heard the news about his diagnosis and were desperate to do something for him," said Nikki, 33.

“He loves Christmas and when we found out he would probably not make it this year, we thought we’d just have to bring Christmas forward.

“It was an amazing, emotional, heartwarming night which gives you such faith in humanity.

“There were so many people there, some who didn’t even know Matty but had read about his story on Facebook and wanted to show their support.”

Crowds gather and celebrate Christmas early outside the home of Matthew Sandbrook. (Worcester News via SWNS)

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After the party, Matthew said he was "on cloud nine", adding: "Struggling to find the words with how I feel right now."

"On cloud nine with what's happened today. You spend years and years thinking you're on your own and all this happens in such a short space of time," he said.

"My family and friends have been amazing.

"I'm totally blown away with today. I've got the biggest fight for my life coming up. Let's hope a miracle happens."