johnnys heart of gold
Tuesday, 19 February 2008 | | |
Johnny's Heart of Gold
Marie Burchill
24/ 1/2008
A GRANDAD has thanked a Hollywood star for the comforting words that
helped bring some cheer to the final days of his dying grandson's
life.
Pirates of the Caribbean hero Johnny Depp sent an emotional video
message to eight-year-old Mark Westwood as he fought an aggressive
brain tumour.
In the message the Pirates of the Caribbean star told him to keep his
chin up and wished him lots of luck for the future.
Paul Robinson, of Levenshulme, said his grandson watched the 35-
second video email `over and over' in the final days of his short
life.
Paul, 61, who lives on St Oswald Road, said: "We are so grateful to
Johnny Depp for everything he did for Mark.
"Mark was a massive fan of his films and the message was really
special and personal to him. It really meant a lot."
The video arrived after Mark's parents - Barry and Sarah - became
friendly with a couple, who also had a sick child, while Mark was
being treated at Alder Hey Hospital.
The couples turned to each other for support during their sons'
treatments and, when Mark's parents revealed that he was a fanatical
fan of Pirates of the Caribbean films, they discovered their new
friends were pals with the Golden Globe-winning star.
Not long after the conversation the personal email from Johnny Depp
dropped in to Sarah's email inbox.
During the dedicated message the 44-year-old star expressed his
admiration for Mark, told him to `keep his chin up' and wished him
`all the best and lots of good luck for the future'.
Johnny Depp dressed up as his Pirates of the Caribbean character -
Captain Jack Sparrow - for the video, after he heard of Mark's love of
the films. He also sent a signed photograph to the youngster.
Mark was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2005 and despite
three operations he lost his fight for life in January last year.
Mark lived in Prestatyn, Wales, after his mum, dad and two brothers -
Peter and Lee - moved from their family home on Pennington Street,
just off Stockport Road in Levenshulme.
Mark's mum, Sarah, 37, was brought up on Hannah Street in Levenshulme
with her mum and dad, Paul and Linda.
The family have paid an emotional tribute to their son, who was a keen
golfer.
Dad Barry said: "Mark did so many special things during his life and
we have a lot of people to thank.
"Alongside the very special message from Johnny Depp, he was granted
his wish of becoming a police officer for the day by North Wales
Police and he got to step out on the turf as a mascot for his team
Manchester City."
Following his grandson's death, Paul has become a fundraiser for the
charity, Brain Tumour UK.
He said: "I don't want Mark's death to be a waste and after going
through the experience I have found out there is hardly any funding in
this area."
Paul is now set to host a fundraising gig with his rock band, Killer
Instinct, to raise money for Brain Tumour UK.
The gig will take place at the Thatched House music venue, 74
Churchgate, Stockport on Sunday, February 10. For tickets contact Paul
on 0161 224 3052.