TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a ‘funny' and ‘courageous' Buckley man who died following a long battle with a brain tumour.

Andrew Jones, known as Andy, died at the age of 45 at the Holywell Community Hospital leaving behind his wife Nicola Jones and daughter, Rhieyen, 11.

Andy was diagnosed with a grade two brain tumour in 2010 which had to be removed, and then in 2016 it had returned with aggression, known as glioblastoma. He had to undergo another operation and a third operation in 2017.

Nicola started a Facebook page in aid of her husband to get him specialised private treatment after the operations and treatment proved unsuccessful, this raised £30,000.

However, the private treatment was also unsuccessful, and the tumour continued to grow.

Nicola said: “He was the 13th person to try it in the UK. We did try another private drug but by that time it was too much for him, it was making him feel worse.

“He was a lovely man, dead straightforward, dead brave and he tried everything. He was funny, even in those last few moments and he was always thankful to everyone.

“He was always grateful and one thing he would always say was if anyone asked if he was okay he would say 'yes are you', he would always ask them and would always remember things about them.

“He was just that sort of person, everyone came first. He admired his family and he would have done anything for us.”

The Leader:

The former courier driver had spent many years as a drummer for his local music group ‘B4 Time’ and Nicola said they were very popular.

Although the group slowed their progress as the drummer became ill, a charity event was held to raise money for his treatment, which brought in over £2,000.

People also raised money by buying some of Andy's artwork as he took up photography after falling ill. Nicola said he had a natural talent and his work was enjoyed by all.

He also enjoyed playing bowls and spent time as chairman of the Hawkesbury Bowling Club.

Nicola added: “Andy’s dad also used to play so he followed in his footsteps.

“He was very courageous and made everyone laugh, even when he was ill right up until his final days.

“I would like to thank all of the staff at Holywell for what they did for Andy and those at the Glan Clwyd Cancer Centre.

“He had the most amazing doctor and nurse, they have all been amazing.”

The funeral will take place on September 13 at Buckley Cross Methodist Chapel at 9am and his family is asking for donations to be made to the Brain Tumour Charity which is “a charity close to our hearts.”

Peter McCann, club secretary of Hawkesbury Bowling Club, said: “He was a likeable person and never had a bad word to say about anyone.

“He was a great club man and was chairman for the last six years. He was very well liked throughout the bowling community in all of the leagues.”

Nicola told the Leader that before falling ill, Andy loved to drive and his passion lay with Subaru. He joined a club, Cheshire and District Scoobies (CADS), but was no longer able to attend after he could not drive.

Ken Parry said: “I am Andy’s brother’s godfather and I have known him all of his life – I was a big mate of his father who was also a bowler. Andy was chairman of the bowling club and captain of the A-team.

“He had such a good outlook. I think everyone is amazed at how he fought it. If you went to see him a few weeks ago he’d always ask how you were before you could ask him how he was.”

Andy lost his battle with glioblastoma on August 30 and his family and friends say he will be greatly missed.

People wishing to attend the funeral are being asked to make donations to the Brain Tumour Charity and the family would like people to dress in what makes them feel comfortable.

The Brain Tumour Charity is at the forefront of the fight to defeat brain tumours, funding research, raising awareness to reduce diagnosis times and providing free support and information to everyone affected so that no one has to face the diagnosis of a brain tumour alone.