An 'amazing and caring' dad-of-two has tragically died after his cancer symptoms were mistaken as back pain.
Darren Mulqueen, 35, from Ealing, west London. was given just two months to live after he was misdiagnosed.
Sadly however, he passed away in his hospital bed in September, surrounded by family, after suffering with terminal cancer of the pancreas and liver.
The former British Army serviceman's girlfriend, Vicky, his sister-in-law and father were all with him as he neared his final moments, report MyLondon.
Then, 30 minutes later, his mum, sister Michelle and the rest of his family arrived and stayed by his bedside until he passed away.
Eighteen months before his cancer diagnosis, it was reported that Darren had been struggling with back pain.
Despite visiting his GP, he was repeatedly told that it was just muscular pain and to take Paracetamol.
However, the pain got so bad that in July, Darren was admitted to hospital.
It was there that doctors finally suggested doing a CT scan, and shockingly found he had spots and a tumour on his pancreas.
Tragically, the cancer quickly spread to his liver.
Unfortunately, the 35-year-old was far too gone for chemotherapy, and so was given just two to three months to live.
Following the devastating diagnosis, his mum Valerie gave up work to travel the hour-and-a-half to the hospital and be with her son every single day.
His two young children and family members took time out of their schedules to visit him regularly, as he was too sick to even leave his hospital bed.
In a statement following his passing, the family said: "Darren was so loved by his family and friends. He will be sadly missed. We are so glad we did get to spend the last few months together laughing and joking even though he was going through pain.
"The family would love to thank everyone who donated money through GoFundMe that had left us worry-free. Darren will get a nice send-off."
In order to help raise money for the funeral, sister Michelle started a fundraiser earlier this month. A whopping £6,918 has been raised out of their £7,000 target and the family intend to leave any remaining funds to Darren's two children.
And since the news of his death, tributes have been pouring in on the fundraiser page.
Darren's Auntie wrote: "Darren we love you, and will miss you always. Still can't quite believe you're gone but we know you're in Heaven, just like you wanted and deserved for being the amazing, caring angel that you are. We love you and you deserve the best. Auntie Lesley, Uncle Steve and Dani xxx."
Another person wrote: "Dear Darren, words cannot express how we all feel. Paul never got the chance to meet you and I'm sad about that.
"Our thoughts are with you and all of your family going through this sad time and it was a pleasure to have met your children, but sad it was on such devastating circumstances. We love you so much and [are] sad this horrible disease cancer is taking you away from your family. God bless you dear nephew xx."
And a third said: "I knew your dad many years ago when I was 15. Then, seven years ago, I met your aunt Lesley and she became one of my dearest friends. It was ages before she and I worked out that I knew your dad. I may even have met you once when your dad came into Argos, Staples corner where I worked about six years ago. However all that is now besides the point.
"Your next journey has begun now, where only you can go - out in the universe to live amongst the stars."
If you wish to make a donation to the fund, visit the link here.
