Leopold’s Lachlan Jones remembered after cancer battle

A Leopold 18-year-old who died from a rare cancer just weeks after his wedding has been remembered as a compassionate and selfless young man.

Lachlan Jones, pictured at home in Leopold with wife Mia. Lachlan recently passed away after a battle with liver cancer. Picture: Brad Fleet

A Leopold 18-year-old who died just weeks after his wedding has been remembered as a selfless and compassionate young man.

Lachlan Jones died on Friday last week after a battle with a lethal liver cancer so rare it only affects one in five million people.

His wife Mia Jones has been widowed at age 18.

“I’ve lost my best friend … who I had an entire life planned with and it was destroyed with a diagnosis,” Mia said.

Mia said Lachlan was the most caring and compassionate person she’d ever known.

“He would always make sure you’re OK, before himself,” she said.

Mia and Lachlan Jones at their wedding. Picture: Paul Carnegie

Lachlan’s health declined rapidly in the days before his death at Geelong hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Lachlan, who was an apprentice baker, was first diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma late last year.

“When he first found out he was just so stunned,” Mia said.

In January, the tumour was removed and the surgery was deemed a success.

It was expected the cancer would come back, but it was thought this could be decades away.

But an inoperable mass was found in June.

Mia and Lachlan, who met in primary school and started dating in 2020, married last month after getting engaged in May.

They brought their wedding forward due to Lachlan’s illness.

Lachlan’s dad Tony, 49, said he was so proud to be his father.

Lachlan and Mia Jones got married in August. Picture: Adam Hall

Tony described Lachlan as an outgoing, well-loved, great young person.

“He showed a lot of grace and a lot of fight,” Tony said.

“He was more worried about everyone else.”

“It was never ‘why me’.”

Lachlan loved spending time playing cricket, gaming and hanging out with friends.

In a statement, the Wallington Cricket Club said it was devastated by the passing of a “much-loved young member”.

Prior to Lachlan’s death, the club had planned a charity match in support of him.

It will still go ahead on Sunday in Lachlan’s memory and to support Mia during this difficult time.

The day is open to all.

The match against Newcomb will commence at 1pm at the Wallington Reserve with Mia doing the coin toss.

Gates open at midday.

There will be activities, a raffle and silent auction throughout the day.

“The fact that everyone’s still willing to come down and show their love and support has been awesome,” Mia said.

Lachlan’s funeral will be held on Wednesday.

Originally published as Leopold’s Lachlan Jones remembered after cancer battle