
Many of you may know about Callum Jones. This is his story. Callum is a 2 year old boy who suffers from a genetic disease known as Tay Sachs. This unfortunately is currently incurable and without constant care and medication, Callum would die. Now, what does this tragic story have to do with gaming? Well, the thing is that Callum's father, Fuc3 (Nigel Jones) is a major online gamer and with the help of the online gaming community, Callum's life and the lives of others in similar situations to Callum can be saved. We at UKT recently caught up with Fuc3 and his long time online friend Sparky to raise awareness and see what ordinary gamers can do to help.
Firstly I would like to say thank you to my guests for taking the time to answer my questions, I understand this must be hard topic to talk about.
Callum was first diagnosed as having Tay Sachs when he was only 8 months old. Naturally this came as a massive shock to Fuc3 and his girlfriend Natalie. He had this to say about it:
"At an early age, Callum grew very fast and looked great. He was healty and full of life and spirit. But one day he started to hold his head at a slant. Natalie and I knew there was something wrong so we took Callum to the doctor. We arrived at Heath Hospital, worried that Callum's neck was broken or something....I remember it like it was 10 seconds ago. We were called to a room. The doctors didn't look us in the eye so we were naturally alarmed. The doctors gave us the normal stuff.. 'we don't know how to put it etc..' but Callum has Tay Sachs. I asked what does this mean? He said that he will not reach the age of 5. CRASH............. My world ended there"
Soon after, Callum began to lose control of basic functions such as speech, sight, movement and laughter. This deeply affected Nigel and he turned to gaming as a way to help relieve the obvious stress he was undergoing. He soon realised that there was great opportunity in the gaming scene for LANs and in particular, LANs to raise awareness and money for his cause. Although not treatable, there maybe a treatment which could maintain his life, perhaps for a month, perhaps a week, if at all, it isn't known.
In an attempt to raise both awareness and money for the treatment, Fuc3 founded Quakethon. This, in the winter of 2000 was renamed Gamerthon to include a wider range of multi-player games. In Fuc3's own words his aim is:
"To have massive public events teaching and grooming young minds in a cool fashion. The secret is to not let them know that they are being taught."
Gamerthon/Quakethon is a series of LANs which have raised a significant amount of money for the hospital at which Callum is being treated. However more money is desperately needed and there may be plans for a Gamerthon 3 in the near future.
What can you do to help? Fuc3 and the Gamerthon team are in desperate need of equipment to run the LANs. So if you could help provide please do be in contact. For everyone else, it would be most appreciated if you could idle in IRC (Quakenet) in #GAMERTHON and as a sign of respect please wear a "^c" tag in front of your name. Support from such big names as Sujoy Roy is already eveident and the channel is normally very full but any further demonstrations of support are always welcome and you can also pay your respects in #Callum. On a final note, any donations to the tyhafan childrens hospice are well appreciated and will not go amiss.
Fuc3 and the team would like to thank everyone for showing their support in #GAMERTHON and to let everyone know that his family are grateful for the good wishes sent by the community. He would finally like to add:
"Special thanks to J Corry (Sparky) and thank you to tyhafan childrens hospicefor looking after my son"
Thank you once again to Sparky and Fuc3 for talking to me and we want you to know that the best wishes of UKT are with you.
Feel free to comment on this article below or in the forums.
Comments
Founder
UKTerrorist
22:33 14/4/2001
23:25 14/4/2001
Im sure there are a lot of people out there that share your frustration with costs of medication. If we all stand together put in a couple pounds we will make a difference! [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
23:25 14/4/2001
But I will sure support you in any other way possible! My mind will be with your son forever!
Damnit. i'm sitting here crying.. I normally do not cry ever. But in this situation, I don't know what to do...
All my energy goes to your son.
Get well! :*( [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
00:08 15/4/2001
i feel sad aswell and i wish that it could be treated in some way.
I would try to help with money but im onley 14.
deapest situation to them both [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
00:14 15/4/2001
AkirA [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
00:18 15/4/2001
fate will diside m8 [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
10:27 15/4/2001
11:34 15/4/2001
I hope things turn out as best they can for you FuC3, good luck mate. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
12:04 15/4/2001
Croydon
13:05 15/4/2001
13:08 15/4/2001
Sorry m8......sorry, the only words i can think [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
13:23 15/4/2001
I've known you longer than some of the ppl leaving messages here, and its nice to see that there's so much help and sympathy for Callum... I've idled in #quakeathon and #gamerthon for ages, but I didn't know you needed financial help... gimme a yell and tell me how to help.
Love and Respect
Joel / RataXiS [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
13:39 15/4/2001
Bests Wishes and Love
[RoGu3] [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
Editor
UKTerrorist
13:40 15/4/2001
15:38 15/4/2001
16:32 15/4/2001
I am so sorry to hear about your young child, if anyway possible I will try to help and support your needy cause. Remember, God works in mysterious ways, you son meybe cured!
- jAmEs* [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
17:59 15/4/2001
Colin. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
19:49 15/4/2001
19:52 15/4/2001
22:35 15/4/2001
pinks [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
13:40 16/4/2001
16:45 16/4/2001
I wish all the best for you and your family!
Keep fighting!
Peace [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
20:40 16/4/2001
where very suprised by it all the support has been fantastic thx [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
20:44 16/4/2001
We have all been here to support you . But in the end - you must take the final few steps - Were always here if you need us -
porquer -- and the (UK) q2 homies
ps - sent you somthing in post [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
22:58 16/4/2001
my thoughts are with you [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
14:42 17/4/2001
[13:16] <c^FuC3^c> : AND IS REALLY POORLY
[13:16] <c^FuC3^c> : ITS UNTRUE
[13:16] <c^FuC3^c> : IM VERY SCARED ABOUT OUT COME
[13:16] <c^FuC3^c> : BB FRIDAY
[13:19] <c^FuC3^c> PLS
[13:19] <c^FuC3^c> GIVE THAT MESSAGE
[13:19] <c^FuC3^c> TO ALL
[13:19] <c^FuC3^c> THX
[13:19] <c^FuC3^c> HOPE TO CYA ALL FRIDAY [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
03:32 18/4/2001
13:01 18/4/2001
13:42 18/4/2001
take care buddy
bill (that funny bloke u always say should do standup) [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
13:52 18/4/2001
p.s. when i get payed ill send ya some
20:31 18/4/2001
Im sure there are thousands of ppl out there who would more than be willing to give out financial support for such a worthy cause such as this. I'm broke but will do everything in my power on IRC to make this know, just in the hope that someone with money will hear (Bill Gates get reading !)
My deapest sympathy goes out to you Fuc3
Rad www.uk-assault.com [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
22:05 18/4/2001
:*( [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
00:12 19/4/2001
Being a father myself I can imagine what you must be going through. My prayers are with you and Natalie.
TTFN - [LGD]P01NTY [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
09:43 19/4/2001
13:39 19/4/2001
13:59 19/4/2001
17:28 19/4/2001
Fir3
p.s chin up =D [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
20:34 19/4/2001
It is sad and can almost seem unfair when those who we love so dearly, and those who we are closest to, are the ones we see in pain and who are taken from us. All we can do is love that person as long as we can, giving them all the strength we can. When they are taken from us, we all must carry on that love and let that person live forever in us. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
17:35 21/4/2001
but its got web sense so i can only add mesages
well read yours and then answer back
i cant stick on irc nothing cos it doesnt allow it really gay
right well callum is gone from bad to worse
his stomach has packed up so there no more medicine
and no more feeds
hes a a thing called a srynge driver and that contains morphen
i really dont no when or if callum will survive the next phew days
i really dont
thx for all the support
i will check this site every hour
as im bored as f*** of being around morbid b******s
thx from natalie and nigel [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
07:05 22/4/2001
Is Callum gonna pull through this one? How can I be so insensitive as to ask a question like that? I'm not meaning to be nasty mate...
Hugs to you, Natalie, Callum, and yr daughter too (name slips my mind
love
Joel [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
17:35 22/4/2001
I HAVE TO ADMIT HE LOOKS REALLY BAD
LO JOEL THX FOR REPLY SEEMS EVERYONES LEFT CHANN AND s*** LIKE U AND OTHERS SAID IT DOESNT LAST I FEEL LET DOWN BUT HAY I NO THE NICE PEEPS FROM THE BAD
O AND THX TO THE c*** WHO SENT ME I HOPE CALLUM DIES MAIL THZ A f***ING BUNCH U w**kER [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
20:22 22/4/2001
10:16 23/4/2001
Much love to you and Natalie.... i'd say I hope Callum pulls through this but I suppose that isn't gonna happen :'(
Pls keep me & anybody else posted....
Thanks m8
*hugs*
Joel [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
11:19 23/4/2001
hope to speak to ya soon [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
23:51 25/4/2001
If been with you from the start really, like before i ever kne what was happening, i helped u bring #quakeathon together and now #gamerthon but i remember when it was like just 5 of us in #qa3.
My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to you Nigel and Natalie and to the rest of your family circle.
Take it easy mate, i hope to hear from you soon.
On behalf of FuC3, Hell and myself i'd like to thank everyone for joining #gamerthon and idling showing respect and support even by wearing c^ for Callum, but as Callum's life came to a close it seems #Gamerthon will come to a close with it. However if there is anyone out there, who feel they can still make a difference and have experience and knowledge of organising lans and fundraiser events and still wish to help out please contact me as soon as possible.
jcorry@ntlworld.com
Thanks [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
00:14 26/4/2001
I firmly believe that Callum is in a better place now and thats one thing which we should all look to at this time.
From me an all my friends at Clan -DR-. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
00:41 26/4/2001
Every post i read i hoped callum was going to get better in the next. by the time i got to the end i felt horrible. I feel so deeply for you even though ive never met you and though these are only words i hope knowing people really do care somehow helps you.
If gamerthon is going to keep going to raise awarness about the disease id be more than willing to lend a hand any way possible ill be sending some cash off to the Hospital tommorow morning.
Again my deepest sympathies
Luke Collins [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
11:52 26/4/2001
Id like to offer my condolences to fuc3 and his family, and also to all of those in #gamerthon who have lived the last while hoping for a more positive result.
#gamerthon stands testament to what a community is all about, something which we all lose comprehension of in real life.
Luv goes out to everyone in that chan and even more to fuc3 and his natalie. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
22:55 26/4/2001
you don't know me, I heard about Callum through sparky who hangs out on our chan. I don't know what to write really, whatever I say won't be anywhere near enough. My heart goes out to u, things like Callum's death just shouldn't happen, I hope that knowing that all of us in the cs community are thinking about you eases your pain just a tiny bit, I know it would be foolish to think it could do anything more.
t1 in #dr on quakenet, if there's anything I can do don't be afraid to ask. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
09:37 27/4/2001
00:29 28/4/2001
As The Mighty has Fallen
As the Strong has come weak
Just Think of the memorys
Even the ones that are bleaque.
Just think of your son in heaven above
Held very closely in gods hand of love
The Love that u hold more for your son
and you know always one day u'll forever be one
-R.I.P Callum- [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
13:51 29/4/2001
My heart goes out to you Nigel, you and the rest of your family. Keep safe the thought that Callum is in a better place now. His suffering and pain has ended. But as I said before, he will always live forever. In the hearts of every person who has been effected by your loss.
My prayers be with you. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
14:11 29/4/2001
17:15 5/5/2001
04:00 3/6/2001
im strugling here ive had my pc nicked too and me and nat have split up
hmmm my mobile is 07813402199 [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
23:03 19/9/2001
See you at theEdge m8, gl with the event wish you all the best, should be a blast. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
01:04 11/10/2001
http://members.aol.com/webdesign4free/callum.html [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
09:52 30/12/2001
This makes my heart hurt. I am actually crying. I did not know about this b4 today, and as i read through the comments i can tell that callum did not make it. I hope that you and the mother may still keep up the spirit and not get lost in the same way I know many people would. [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
06:57 8/11/2004
Matt [ Comment: Report | IP: Logged ]
04:30 6/6/2005
04:33 6/6/2005
04:57 19/10/2005
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