25 May 2023 , 07:16
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A dad has been told by cancer doctors he has months to live - and may never meet his unborn 'miracle' baby.
Andrew Wreford's baby is due in September, despite he and partner Rachel being told the chemotherapy he's been undergoing since last year for bowel cancer would leave him infertile.
The 37-year-old from Bradford opted to stop the chemo after discovering the cancer had spread, and has months to live, Yorkshire Live reports.
But the couple, who also have four children Hollie, William, Alba and Ezra, were bowled over to discover they were expecting again earlier this year despite what doctors said.
Loved ones say Andrew, a self-employed joiner, is too upset to talk about the pregnancy knowing he may not get to meet the baby boy, and is currently seriously ill and struggling to breathe.
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Andrew with his children, from left, Hollie, 16, Ezra, one, Alba, 10, and William, 13
Andrew with daughter AlbaHis sister, Jackie, is raising money for the family after Andrew revealed he didn't have a life insurance policy or savings to support the family.
Jackie said Andrew was now off work and spending his time in bed at home, managing his pain.
"He's not coped with it," she said.
"He is down to earth and matter of fact. He's got a heart of gold. He would give anyone his last pound.
"He has got a wicked sense [of humour] and he has still got it."
Andrew Wreford with his sister, JackieJackie, who flew back to the UK from Australia to be with the family, said the baby news had been "bittersweet" for the couple, and she has since set up a Go Fund Me for extra support when the little one arrives as well as funeral costs and family support.
The page has raised over £2,500 so far and can be found here.
Writing on the funding page, Jackie said: "My baby brother is dying from cancer - these are words I never thought would cross my lips and every family's worst nightmare.
"Andrew is 37 years old and a dad to four amazing children.
"He was diagnosed with bowel cancer that had metastasised only 12 months ago and has been fighting hard ever since.
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"He was told chemo would make him infertile but by some miracle, his partner Rachel is now five months pregnant with a baby who’s never going to meet their Daddy.
"Andrew is a stoic person with an ‘it is what it is’ attitude. A keen fisherman with a big heart. He was self-employed and had to sadly stop working.
"We are a proud family but I’m reaching out for help to cover funeral costs and support for his family and new baby. Any donations would be greatly appreciated."
Jackie said the support the family had received had been a great comfort.
"It's lovely to know there are good people out there and that people feel for you. It is overwhelming."