EVER since Joe Suttling was born, he and his brother, Mark, have been stuck together like glue.

Mark is eight years older than his little brother and has always been caring, loving and protective towards him, perhaps even more so because Joe is autistic.

And that sentiment has not wavered, even though Mark, at 19, is terminally ill.

Mark, supported by his parents Sam and Gary, now wants to set up a fund to provide trips out for autistic adults.

His consideration for others, his drive to make others happy, even as he has palliative care, does not surprise his mother.

“He is marvellous. So calm and kind,” said Sam. And that is not just through a mother’s eyes.

Teachers at Joe’s school have described him as an inspiration and are setting up a charitable foundation in his name.

Mark was first diagnosed with cancer when he was 11.

Sam said: “He had a sarcoma of the liver. It so rare it has been described as being like a lightning strike.

“He had been lethargic and lost weight so I took him for blood tests.

“When we were told he had a tumour, I was almost relieved at first as the doctors had found out what was wrong.

“I did not know it was cancerous.”

At the time, Joe was nearly two at the time.

Mark underwent surgery at Kings College Hospital in London and had three quarters of his liver removed. He also had chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The family thought Mark had recovered but cancer returned – again and again.

He has been diagnosed with cancer five times, with the secondary cancer being in his lungs.

Mark has undergone surgery on both lungs and has had a total of 18 cycles of chemotherapy in a bid to beat the cancer.

Now, he can only be given palliative care.

He is still on chemotherapy to try to hold back the cancer but only smaller doses now as his heart and liver can’t stand any more.

As the family went to hell and back worrying about Mark, Joe’s behaviour seemed to change.

He had problems with attachment and being in social settings.

“He didn’t like the noise of the classroom,” said Sam, “so when we were walking to school he would sit down on the pavement.

“He didn’t want to go in. He would hang on to door frames.”

Teachers put it down to Joe’s concern about Mark’s health. The brothers have always been close, and Joe sensed something was wrong but Sam knew in her heart of hearts there was more to it.

Eventually she took Joe out of school and taught him at home, even though her time and energy were already stretched thin by caring for Mark and his endless hospital appointments.

Sam said: “I did not want to think it was something like autism. I wasn’t worried about the label. I just did not want to think I had another child who had a condition which would limit him.”

In December 2014, the family moved to Clacton. It was for Mark really. He loved the seaside and knowing he was fighting a losing battle against cancer, the family wanted to move to a place where he could be happy.

It meant Joe, who is 11, could attend Market Field special school in Elmstead Market.

“It has been brilliant for Joe,” said Sam.

“We know we cannot control what is happening to Mark, it is a situation which has its own stresses, but at least we Joe is safe and happy.”

The brothers are still incredibly close.

Most Fridays, they go to see a film together and Joe is allowed a sleep-over in Mark’s room in a put-me-up bed.

Sam said: “Mark always wanted children of his own. When he was about five years old he used to say he wanted boys and girls.

“That is not going to happen now, but he is brilliant with Joe. He has such a calm demeanour. He never raises his voice. He is perfect.”

Mark has received support from charities while he has been ill. He wanted to give something back but wanted to help people with autism.

Sam said: “As much as Mark has cancer, he sees his brother struggling in other ways.

“Our dream is to get some money so we can set up a fund to pay for adults with special educational needs to do something they like, such as go to the cinema or the theatre or have a session in a sensory room.

“Joe and others might always have the mentality of a ten-year-old, but there are a lot of age limits on what charities will pay for.”

As other 19-year-olds are enjoying the independence of adulthood, Mark depends an a mobility chair to get around.

He has no self pity, saying: “I have never known any different. I was 11 when I was diagnosed, when children are starting to go out with their friends. Instead I was in hospital, so that is normal life to me.”

He added: “I see how much enjoyment Joe gets out of going to the cinema and the theatre. There are some people with autism who don’t have the opportunity to do that when they are older, but they still enjoy it. It would be good to give them this pleasure.

“Joe is a lively personality, and you certainly know when he is around. Joe is not Joe with autism to me, he is just Joe.”

Braintree and Witham Times:

JOE’S school has got behind the family’s fundraising appeal and is setting up a charitable foundation to support it.
To kick off the fundraising, three members of staff at Market Field School – Kierran Pearce, teacher Duncan Thomas and deputy head Joel Shaljean – along with Joe, all had their heads shaved in return for sponsorship.
Head teacher Gary Smith also agreed to have a make over and invited the students to design a new look for him.
And while he chose a relatively reserved hair do, the children and staff decided Jack Iles’ more outrageous blond wig was more fitting to the occasion.

Youngsters at the school also joined in with a wacky hair day.
Kierran, 24, who also teaches in Joe’s class, said: “Joe spoke and said he wanted a way the school could support his family and suggested a head shave.
“Joe is a fantastic boy, an inspiration to everyone here with everything he has going on.
“When he comes in, he is always looking to smile and tell a joke if he can. We are very happy to support him.”
Mr Smith added: “I think Mark and his family are amazing.
“For someone who has cancer to think of others is so thoughtful and we will support them by setting up a charity in their name.”
Anyone wanting to support the charity, should contact Market Field School in School Road, Elmstead Market, by either calling 01206 825195 or alternatively sending an email to admin@market
field.essex.sch.uk.

Braintree and Witham Times: