Dad-of-two dies of complications from rare illness after marrying fiancee – as his son battles same disease
Nathan Lewis and his family were desperately trying to raise money for "life-saving" cancer treatment not available on the NHS
A DAD-of-two has died days after marrying his fiancé when a rare illness developed into cancer.
Nathan Lewis and his family were desperately trying to raise money for "life-saving" cancer treatment not available on the NHS.
The 30-year-old from Deighton, West Yorkshire, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1, a rare condition that typically causes non-cancerous tumours to grow along the nerves.
But, in severe cases the disease can cause sarcoma - a soft tissue cancer.
A recent scan showed a secondary tumour in Nathan's lungs.
Devastated newlywed Tiffany Ferdinand broke the news on Facebook on Saturday that Nathan had passed away.
She said: "Truly can't believe it has come to saying this, after a cruel five month battle, Nathan my beautiful husband peacefully passed away early this morning in my arms.
"It's great comfort that he is no longer suffering but it's heartbreaking that he's gone so soon."
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In a cruel twist of fate Nathan and Tiffany's three-year-old son Thiago has also been diagnosed with NF1.
But, doctors say they have found a new drug that will treat Thiago's non-cancerous tumours.
They hope in the next two to four years the treatment will be available on the NHS.
Support worker Nathan and his family started a campaign to try and raise £50,000 to fund potentially life-saving treatment, that is not available on the NHS for Nathan's form of cancer.
His Crowdfunding page has been filled with people leaving their condolences with the current total standing at £12,500.
Stephen John wrote: "I spent my younger years growing up with Nathan, we shared some great times and memories, so sad that we lost touch in recent years. My heart goes out to his loved ones."
Tifanny added that her and Nathan agreed that if he did not make it, the money raised from the page will go towards his funeral with anything left going to his children Sienna and Thiago.
Rochelle Smith wrote on the site: "So sorry for your loss. Sorry's it's not much but want to continue to help. Hope you can get through this sad time."
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