'I just hope the doctors are able to do something for me': Stoke-on-Trent cancer patient Jonathan Ibbs awaits verdict of specialists

CANCER patient Jonathan Ibbs is waiting to find out if specialists can offer him alternative treatment – after three operations failed to help him.

The 33-year-old father-of-two has endured long courses of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery in a bid to remove a tumour from his brain.

But the devoted Stoke City fan has now been told he cannot undergo any more surgery, and all other treatments have so far failed to make a breakthrough.

Jonathan, a former plumber, who was first diagnosed in 2006, has lost the mobility in the right-side of his body and relies on a wheelchair to get around.

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Now his family are hoping specialist medics can explore other options to treat him, and are eagerly awaiting their findings.

Jonathan, of Dresden, said: "I miss being able to work and do the things I used to do. I just hope the doctors are able to do something for me."

Mum Sue, whose daughter Samantha died in 2004 at the age of 21 from Crohn's disease, said: "His whole life has changed but he has been so brave and never complains.

"We now just have to wait to find out what the doctors can come up with for him."

It was during the former Longton Cricket Club player's last consultation when medics broke the news that despite their efforts the tumour was still present.

Discussions between medics at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS) and experts from Manchester's specialist Christie NHS Foundation Trust, have been ongoing in a bid to find out what other treatment could be offered.

Jonathan is expected to return to the UHNS on March 12 where the doctors' findings will be outlined.

Jonathan's son Kieran, aged 16, of Longton, a pupil at the Discovery Academy, said: "It was really tough to take in. We have all just carried on and everyone has been supportive." Kieran's brother Connor, aged 14, added: "My dad is very brave."

On Saturday Jonathan's friends arranged for him to be whisked away to the Britannia Stadium by limousine before a tour of the ground and a view of the match against West Ham, from an executive box.

Friend Dave Ryder, aged 32, of Longton, said: "We just wanted to give him something to look forward to."