This story is so touching that it brings tears to our eyes. It speaks of one teenager’s selfless act during the most difficult of times.
In the midst of the battle for his life, 19-year-old Rhys Langford, who was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, put all his savings towards helping a little boy, 6-year-old Jacob Jones, who has been battling neuroblastoma.
Jacob was diagnosed with the disease at the age of two. He was then cancer free for a year before his parents noticed something was wrong again. Sadly, the cancer returned.
When Rhys learned of Jacob’s life story, he was heartbroken. “Rhys found the story of little Jacob. He called me upstairs and he was crying in bed reading the story,” the teen’s mother Catherine recalled.
Initially, Rhys gave up £1,000 of his life savings to set up a fund and raise money for Jacob’s treatment in America.
“He said, ‘Mum, I want to donate some money to him. He’s six years of age and he’s been ill since he was two. I’d be over the moon if someone would save him.’ I couldn’t believe he was thinking about someone else when he’s on death’s door himself,” Catherine said of her selfless son.
The GoFundMe page dedicated to Jacob has raised £66,185 so far.
Although both boys are from Ebbow Vale in South Wales, the two never met, but that didn’t stop Rhys from helping as much as he could.
“Reading about little Jacob and his own fight and his cancer relapse has really upset me. I know nothing can be done for me now but as one of my many last wishes, I would like to help Jacob and help him fight this awful disease… Jacob is now six and has been fighting this disease most of his life. It should not be this way! Jacobs’ family is looking to raise money again for treatment. I have transferred £1000 to Jacobs family privately but it’s still not enough. Please help me, help Jacob! ❤️” the page read.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Rhys’ mother added: “He said, ‘There’s nothing more they can do for me so if I can help save this little boy.’ Our hearts are breaking because we are losing our son but bursting with pride because considering his diagnosis he is thinking of other people.”
Unfortunately, Rhys lost his battle.
“My warrior, my hero, my son, my baby, has given up his fight. He lay down his sword and died peacefully at home with all his family around him, he closed his eyes for the last time at around 7 p.m. yesterday evening,” his mother shared in a heartbreaking post.
Rest in peace, Rhys.