Former Warwick Daily News journalist Jonno Colfs receives devastating brain cancer diagnosis

A beloved Warwick man and former Daily News journalist has received devastating news just 18 months after the death of his mother. See how the community has rallied to support him.

Jonno was transferred to the PA Hospital where he underwent an awake craniotomy on January 6. Photo: Supplied

Lying on an operating table, fully conscious as his brain was literally being electrocuted, Jonno Colfs had just the vague sounds of Pink Floyd to keep him calm.

Eighteen months earlier, the former Warwick Daily News journalist had lost his mother Kate to a brain tumour.

Now, the 47-year-old was facing the same battle.

A troubadour of classic rock and a face recognisable throughout the Southern Downs, Jonno has made a difference in lives far and wide.

After telling the stories of the people of Warwick, he now is in the midst of his heaviest battle, and his supporters have rallied in droves as he undergoes treatment for an acute glioblastoma, an inoperable brain cancer.

Jonno Colfs joined the Warwick Daily News team for a period during 2016-17.

It was a presentation to Warwick Hospital on New Year’s Eve for what he suspected was dehydration where a CAT scan revealed a significant tumour in the middle of his brain.

“I began experiencing symptoms in October, I had tingly hands and feet and began a process of elimination with my GP,” he said.

He was later transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he underwent an awake craniotomy.

Given the tumour’s location – which was near his motor tracts – Jonno was required to remain awake to allow surgeons to monitor his physical responses to the electro-probe.

“I will never forget the sensation of being electrocuted in the brain, it’s such an intense thing I can remember it clearly even now,” he said.

It was the soothing sounds of Pink Floyd’s timeless album Wish You Were Here that stemmed the unease of the gruelling three-and-a-half hour procedure.

Jonno was transferred to the PA Hospital where he underwent an awake craniotomy on January 6. Photo: Supplied

“When they said we’re done I just sobbed. I don’t cry at all but I just sobbed because of the intense relief after days of build-up wondering what this would be like,” he said.

Jonno was told after the surgery while it was unlikely radiotherapy would shrink the tumour, it could give him the chance to spend more time with his friends and family.

“The radiologist had told me without treatment I’d have maybe a matter of months, but with treatment maybe years,” he said.

“Which is horrific to think of because I’m nowhere near ready, it’s the farthest thing from my mind.”

Since his release from hospital earlier this month, Jonno has had to leave his independence and three kelpies behind, temporarily staying with his father Alain.

“Dad turned 80 this week so I should be looking after him, this is all very back to front, he’s helping me walk when he has two bad knees,” he said.

Jonno's father Alain Colfs (R), now in his 80s has remained at his son's side. Photo: Supplied

His father Alain is among many in Jonno’s corner, including an old high school friend Steve Ott, who has graciously set up a GoFundMe to help ease the stress on the Colfs family.

While although they drifted in and out of contact over the years, Mr Ott said it was Mr Colfs’ gentle nature that led him to start the fundraiser.

“It’s not just about the money. It’s for people like me that aren’t in town or you know I don’t see a lot. It’s our chance to show that we care,” he said.

“(Because) he’s had a positive affect on people from all around.

“We don’t want to sort of think about the prognosis of it all. I just want him to not have to stress about getting by.”

The fundraiser has already raised more than $18,000 in a matter of days leaving Mr Colfs feeling overwhelmed and incredibly grateful.

“It’s helped take care of things for the next year which is amazing, so I’m very grateful to those who have reached out and contributed,” he said.

Jonno will undergo an intense six weeks of radiotherapy in the coming weeks.

Community members and friends wanting to contribute to the fundraiser can do so here.

Originally published as Former Warwick Daily News journalist Jonno Colfs receives devastating brain cancer diagnosis