11/08/2026
🟡 “PLEASE HELP US SAVE OUR BOY” — SUNDERLAND FAMILY RAISES THOUSANDS FOR 15-YEAR-OLD BATTLING RARE HEART CANCER
A Sunderland family has launched an urgent fundraising appeal for 15-year-old Jude Hazard, who has been diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive cancer affecting his heart.
According to the family, Jude had initially been treated for suspected asthma before his breathing suddenly worsened and he was rushed to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
Surgeons removed an 8cm tumour from his heart during open-heart surgery. Jude also suffered a cardiac arrest during the operation but recovered.
Tests later showed the tumour was cancerous, and the family says doctors were unable to remove all of it.
His parents say they have been told the cancer is extremely rare and aggressive, with treatment options now potentially needing to be explored abroad.
The fundraiser has already raised more than ÂŁ10,000 of an initial ÂŁ30,000 target, with the wider goal eventually reaching ÂŁ75,000.
Money raised will help cover possible treatment, hospital stays, travel and recovery costs.
His family describes Jude as a bright, caring and sociable teenager who loves spending time with friends, eating out and going to the gym.
They are now asking people across Sunderland and beyond to help give him every possible chance.
Sources: GoFundMe appeal organised by Tony Margiotta on behalf of Jude Hazard’s family; family statements published on the fundraiser.
