Darlington friends rally around Newcastle dad diagnosed with cancer

Jonny Bell, 38, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last month (June 17).

Jonny, who has a ten-month-old son Harry with fiancée Beka, has been told that he may only have months left to live.

Friend Callum Tiffin, from Darlington, is rallying around his mate, and told how his heart "sank" when he heard the news about Jonny after losing both of his parents to cancer.

The pair met five years ago when working as train drivers at LNER.

Callum, who has a three-year-old daughter and now owns Big Man Cards on Larchfield Street, said: "Jonny is the loveliest guy.

"He’s so down to earth, and his life has been turned upside down.

"I lost my mum to cancer in 2014 and my dad last year.

"When I heard the news about Jonny my heart just sank.

"His little boy is going to grow up without a dad.

"If there’s anything I can do to help, even just a little bit, I’ll do it.”

Since his diagnosis Jonny has been documenting his journey with videos on his Facebook page 'Jonny versus stage four pancreatic cancer'.

He is currently in Germany receiving treatment and has opened up on how tough the treatment is mentally and physically.

Callum has since set up a GoFundMe page for his friend and will run a tombola in aid of Jonny’s family.

He added: "When I asked Jonny if I could run a charity tombola for him, he just said, ‘anything that helps Beka and my little boy.’

"That tells you everything about who he is.

"We’ve already had some amazing donations, and I want this tombola to be as big and brilliant as possible to give you lot the best prizes and give Jonny as much as we can.

"I’ll be putting a lot of stuff in myself, but anything at all would help.

"Big or small, it all matters.”

He also now wants to hold a full fundraising day to further support the family.

Social media users have been flooding Jonny's comment sections with messages of support. One said: "You are smashing it.

"Keep fighting, I believe you will overcome this.

"You are an inspiration to us all and your bravery is incredible."