A dad has tragically passed away following a two year battle with cancer.
Michael Moriarty, 37, from Walton, Merseyside, was diagnosed with cancerous tumours in his bowel, liver, and lung, after being left under the impression that he had irritable bowel syndrome. In March 2020, the dad-of-two, who lived with his wife Lyndsey and their two daughters Libby and Phoebe, began suffering from pain while working night shifts as a cleaner.
He was previously diagnosed with IBS and his initial concerns of finding blood when going to the toilet was dismissed as haemorrhoids. Michael was finally able to get a CT scan and on Christmas Eve, he was told that doctors discovered the tumours.
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Following this, he underwent a series of intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy before ultimately being told he had two years left to live. Michael's mum, Bernadette, told the Liverpool Echo that he wanted to keep fighting for his children's sake. In August 2022, Michael and Lindsey got married which they arranged in just 48 hours.
Michael died peacefully at home on March 24, 2023. Amiyra Bader, 35, one of Michael's closest friends said: "Michael was like all of us, he loved his family, he was a simple man and didn't want anything massive out of life. He loved his family, his wife and his girls more than anything.
"When I think about him he always had a smile on his face, he wasn't as loud as some of us but he was quietly funny. He liked to socialise with his friends and with Michael if you were his friend you were his family.
"We grew up together and as we all got partners, got married and had kids our friendship group just grew. We were all like a family." She added: "I went to go and see his mum and I was thinking about how devastated they were going to be. When I came out I couldn't stop thinking bout how strong they are.
"I'd met Michael and Lyndsey's kids and they're just so strong and confident. I think that says a lot about how they have raised such strong girls under the circumstances."
A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for Michael's funeral, which will take place on Wednesday, April 12. The description of the fundraising page says: "On Friday 24th March we lost our dear friend Michael to a horrific battle with cancer. Michael was an absolute fighter and fought so hard until the very end.
"He never gave up but unfortunately his body did. We have been fundraising for a couple of years now but all funds where spent on alternative treatments for Michael. We want to help not only to give him the best send off that he deserves, but also to make sure his girls are looked after too.
"If you can please donate or even just share this link we would be truly grateful thank you so much xxx"
To donate to Michael's GoFundMe page click here.
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