The talented 16-year-old was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia on December 12 and was blue lighted into Noah’s Ark Hospital in Cardiff where he immediately started an intensive chemotherapy regimen. Further testing has brought to light that Aston is suffering a rare sub-type of ALL Leukemia and DNA testing of his white blood cells has shown him to be chemotherapy resistant. A bone marrow match must now be sought immediately in a bid to cure him of his illness.
Determined that he wouldn’t face his battle ahead on his own, his teammates recently had their heads shaved to raise awareness and funds for Aston.
Over 100 people turned up from far and wide including former Wales and British & Irish Lions legend Alan Bateman to #bravetheshave. Over £2,000 was raised on the night and over £25k was ploughed into Aston’s go fund me page within 48 hours.
Aston was due to finish his GCSE’s this year and was hopeful of realising his sporting dreams of becoming a professional sportsman – having played academy football since the age of five for Swansea City. He has been playing football for Pontardawe and was on track to a professional football scholarship when the illness struck.
His rugby exploits earned him a call up into the Ospreys academy having played exceptionally well for Porthcawl and Bridgend District this season.
He has also supported the club’s younger teams by completing his referee qualification to be able to referee minis and juniors on a Sunday morning.
Porthcawl, who were last year voted Wales’s community club of the year, along with the local community are coming together to aid Aston and his family in their time of need.
A go fund me page has been created (*link below) which has already surpassed its initial target of £8000. The funds will go towards advancing his treatments, aiding his rehabilitation and getting him back doing what he loves.
WRU National Elite Performance referee manager, Ian Davies, who is also a coach at the club said: “On a personal level I’ve coached Aston at Porthcawl since he was aged six and he is an exceptional athlete, footballer and rugby player.
“Only a matter of weeks ago he was playing rugby after a period of 10 weeks out with a broken ankle, now he finds himself fighting for his life. “
On a facebook post his mother Sian Mansell wrote: “The consultants have been honest. Our road is long and quite bumpy for the foreseeable but I know that we will get there and we will get Aston back on the pitch – ball at foot or in hand – shining like the star we all know his is…
Elise Thomas, the go fund me organiser has already been blown away from the heartwarming response to her campaign.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported Aston’s fundraiser, this support is a testament to the strength and kindness of Aston’s community, providing hope and resources as he battles Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
“Aston has blown us away by his force and determination while taking on four weeks of chemotherapy so far, along with many other procedures, he just battles on like a champ . Proud is an understatement.
“As a tight community, we are excited to announce there’s going to be multiple fundraising events going forward where money will be raised for chosen charities close to our hearts during this journey.
“Thank you for standing with Aston and his family during this challenging time—your support makes all the difference.”
CLICK HERE to support Aston’s go fund me page
