Dad just wants to see kids grow up

COLIN Deeley, 37, just wants the chance to see his daughter Grace, 7, and son William, 5, grow up.

COLIN Deeley, 37, just wants the chance to see his daughter Grace, 7, and son William, 5, grow up.

But since he suffered a seizure on Christmas Day last year that natural hope is in jeopardy.

After the seizure Mr Deeley was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer.

In the weeks following his diagnosis, he underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour and was told he only had six to 12 months to live.

But that is not an option for the young father.

Mr Deeley and his wife, Sandra, are now looking to the US where a new treatment is available that could give him a precious few more years with his children. "That's what we are fighting for really, our family," Mrs Deeley said.

The treatment is called MAB 425; it involves fortnightly injections of an antibody that targets the tumour cells. So far the treatment has prolonged the lives of patients, but it would mean the family would have to spend three months in the US.

"The children are his strength which is why we have to take them," Mrs Deeley said.

This is where the Deeleys' close network of Mackay friends have stepped in.

They want to raise $50,000 for the Deeleys to go to the US for the life-prolonging treatment.

So they have organised a fundraising event for the Mackay premiere of the much-anticipated movie Australia.

Originally published as Dad just wants to see kids grow up