THE family of a young Southport dad-of-3 fighting aggressive cancer say:- “it doesn’t feel real” after a £30,000 donation from New York Times and USA Today bestseller Leigh Rivers. 

It follows a £10,000 donation from Everton FC legend Jack Grealish last week as they seek backing to prolong the precious they have together and fund available treatments. 

Leon Skapars, 36, is fighting for more time with his wife Crystal and their boys, aged 3, 4, and 11. 

Leon’s wife says she:- “can’t stop crying” after she saw the generous amount appear on their GoFundMe page.

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Leigh Rivers was a Scottish Biomedical Scientist before she ventured into the world of writing dark, morally gray characters with rollercoaster storylines to drive her readers wild. Her books are available in multiple languages around the world. 

Crystal said:- “New York Times bestselling author Leigh Rivers has just donated £30,000 towards Leon’s fight! £30,000!! What an unbelievably kind and incredible woman! I can’t stop crying and I’m still trying to get my head around this! It doesn’t feel real! Just 5 days ago, we were facing what felt like an impossible mountain to climb. Now, thanks to Leigh and so many others, we have so much more hope we can get Leon the treatment he desperately needs. Having the chance to pursue more treatment options and knowing our boys can see so many people standing behind their dad, means everything to us! Leigh Rivers, THANK YOU, from the very bottom of our hearts.” 

In August 2026, Leon’s friends and family completed The Walk for Leon which took the 20-mile journey from Southport Football Club’s stadium on Haig Avenue to Everton Football Club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.  

For Leon and his family, the fundraising appeal is about 1 thing above all else:- giving him more time with the people he loves.

At just 36, Leon is facing a battle no family should have to go through. His wife and their three boys are at the centre of everything, and they are doing all they can to explore further treatment options.

The family has been touched by the support they have received, from donations and people sharing their appeal to the messages of encouragement that have come their way.

Every bit of support means something to them as they continue to look for ways to give Leon more time with his family.


How you can help Leon

Leon’s family is continuing to raise money to help explore further treatment possibilities. Anyone who would like to help can donate to the GoFundMe appeal or share Leon’s story to reach more people.

For his wife, the wish behind the fundraising is simple:- she wants Leon to have the chance to watch their 3 boys grow up.

You can read Leon’s story and support his family here.