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In September, 34-year-old father Owain James was told he had an incurable brain tumour and would have only months to live if no action was taken.

The news turned the lives of Owain and wife Ellie, 33, who have an 19-month-old daughter together, upside down – and they decided to do everything they could to have as much time together as possible.

But a large donation, made anonymously, means Owain will now be able to undergo his first year of treatment.

The treatment Owain will undergo is called DC Vax (dendritic cell vaccine), which is a form of immunotherapy. Results from the third phase of a clinical trial suggest that it could help to extend the life of patients.

However, the trial is still at an early stage and so the treatment is yet to be approved for use on the NHS, but it is available privately in the UK.

On top of the anonymous donation, a further £90,000 has been raised towards a £250,000 target, £62,000 of which has come through the family’s online fundraising page.

A host of fundraising events have taken place for Owain, including events at Bedwas rugby club and Caerphilly golf club, as well as at Church Village FC – where Owain is a player.

Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community Council held collections for Owain at their fireworks display and Remembrance events, while donations have also been made from businesses, including £425 from staff and customers at the Spar store in Trethomas.

His former primary school, Ty’n y Wern, also fundraised for Owain – raising more than £700.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the community’s generosity, Ellie said: “I can’t put it into words. It’s mind-blowing.

“The anonymous donation has enabled us to commit to the first year of treatment. There’s so much hope.

Ellie said the donation was made by a complete stranger who she has since been in contact with.

“We’re truly grateful to them and everyone who has donated. We’re really humbled.”

Ellie insisted the support received means the family are now feeling confident about the future.

“Owain is truly grateful,” she said. “It restores our faith in people and made us realise people really care.

“We never thought in our wildest dreams we would raise so much.”

Ellie continued: “One woman, Ange, even auctioned her husband, who’s a handyman, to raise money. She put it on Facebook for anyone who wanted him to do odd jobs for them.”

Since diagnosis, Owain has had surgery to remove half of the tumour and has undergone an intensive course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Thanks to the donation, he is now set to start the DC Vax treatment.

A dedicated website has been set up showing upcoming fundraising events for Owain.

Any businesses wishing to donate a raffle prize can email fundsforowain@hotmail.com.