“I want to do this for my dad”

Tuesday 04 September 2018

The sons of a politician diagnosed with cancer will be completing a 36-mile island walk on behalf of their father, to raise money for the charities that have supported him through chemotherapy.

Deputy Richard Rondel, a well-known States Member, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer over three years ago whilst he was in Spain, and has been battling the disease ever since.

Deputy Rondel’s three sons, Jack, James and Joshua Rondel, will be completing a 36-mile walk around the island in support of their father and the charities which have helped to treat his cancer.

Pictured: The Rondel brothers are organising a charity island walk for their father and the charities which have looked after him during his illness.

Jack has created JustGiving pages to raise money for Friends of Jersey Oncology and Cancer Research UK in return for their support of the States Member, who currently serves on the Plannning Committee, whilst he receives cancer treatment. 

At the time of writing, the JustGiving pages have already raised just under £800 towards their combined £3000 target as the sons prepare for their walk on 15 September.

On the JustGiving page, Jack wrote that after his father’s diagnosis, “the hospitals didn’t think he would be here for long at all."

"After a severe operation he flew back to Jersey to be with his children, a couple of days after, the tumour perforated and he was back in intensive care, this is where we had to say goodbye…"

Pictured: Deputy Richard Rondel had to receive a "severe operation" in order to treat his stage 4 bowel cancer.

“But he never gave up, he’s a strong Jersey bean!" Deputy Rondel's son continued, "and here he is now still battling on, however the battle is decreasing rapidly and the treatment he can have now is very limited.

“After experiencing some horrendous side effects such as ulcers, a rash, pins and needles, vomiting, tiredness and loss of appetite, he never gave up… We have been blessed to have been on great holidays and spent some great memories together as a family.”

Jack hopes that this fundraiser will over some support for other people battling cancer as well as their families. He added: “I want to do this for my dad.”

Pictured: Deputy Rondel was first elected to the States for St. Helier no. 3 & 4 in 2011 and is now being supported by his three sons whilst he receives treatment for cancer.

Islanders have rallied to support this cause, with donators adding messages of support to the Rondel family. One sponsor wrote: "Well done Jack, Josh and James - wishing you all the very best in this very worthy charity event, in honour of an amazing man."

Another wrote: "You boys must make your father very proud. Good luck with the walk and keep fighting."

The Rondel brothers' walk will take place on 15 September. Visit their fundraising page by clicking here.