In Memory of Michael John Jones

This page has been created by the Jones and Bates family in memory of Michael John Jones.

Last year Mike was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It shocked our entire family to hear the news and that it was fairly advanced. Mike had a full check along with Christine every year, but like many, the pandemic meant those checks were put on hold and his cancer had over a year to go undetected.

Mike's wish was that his fight with cancer be kept private, so his death at 12:45 am GMT on September 22nd has come as a shock to many. Unsurprisingly to those who knew Mike, he gave his prostate cancer a good fight going through multiple chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, with many highs and lows on his journey.

Upon completing his first round of sessions, Mike went for his follow-up scans earlier this year. The cancer was relentless, and the family came to learn that Mike's cancer had spread aggressively throughout his entire body. Mike started his second round of chemotherapy and was placed on experimental drugs to slow the growth of his cancer. However, Mike's health started deteriorating, and he increasingly found the chemotherapy sessions harder to carry out.

As Mike's health started to further deteriorate he asked Christine to promise that he would not go to a hospice and spend his last months, weeks, and days at home where he was happy and most comfortable. Devoted to keeping her promise Christine took on the challenge, which did become harder and harder as time went on. St Richard's Hospice was introduced to Christine by her local GP a few months ago, and their support played such a pivotal role in helping Christine and the family keep that promise until the very last day. A special thank you to Pippa and Charlotte at St Richard's. Your support, care, and consideration will be forever remembered by the Jones and Bates family.

The physical and emotional support was fantastic and ensured Mike's needs were at the front of every queue. They also brought in the support of Campden Home Nursing, who provided care at their home day and night. The managers and nurses at both St Richards and Campden took the time to know Mike hearing his stories and learning all about his life in the Fleet Air Arm, travelling the world throughout his career and his grandchildren, which he cherished. The family must also thank Diane and Phil Surridge, Christine's twin sister and husband; who have been and continue to support Christine and the entire family.

As many know, Mike was a larger-than-life character whose presence always lit up the room. He is survived by his wife Christine Jones; children: Bryn Jones and wife Daniela Jones; Lian Bates and husband Ryan Bates; and grandchildren: Lucie and Sullivan Bates, and Owen, Jude and Rhys Jones. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Mike's other request was not to have a funeral. Therefore, those of you who would have wanted to attend or send flowers could celebrate his life by making a charitable donation to St Richard's hospice.

Gorffwysa mewn Tangnefedd Michael.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to Christine and our entire family. If you have not done so, please contact your doctor and organise a Prostate Examination.

For more information about St Richard's Hospice, please visit the following link: https://www.strichards.org.uk/about/what-we-do/.