A dad who was misdiagnosed with IBS has sadly passed after a lengthy two year battle with cancerous tumours that were found in his bowels, liver and lung. Michael Moriarty, 37 was initially dismissed by doctors after he noticed blood in his stool when he was going to the toilet, the Liverpool ECHO reports.
In March 2020, Michael who lived with his wife Lyndsey and their two girls, Libby and Phoebe started struggling with pain while working night shifts as a cleaner. The father-of-two from Walton was told he had irritable bowel syndrome and had his initial concerns dismissed as haemorrhoids before he finally managed to get a CT scan.
On Christmas Eve 2020, doctors discovered the tumours and delivered the heartbreaking news to the family. The Everton FC fan who was desperate to fight for his young children was told he had around two years left to live and started a series of gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy bouts.
Sadly, Michael peacefully passed away on March 24, 2023 while at home, surrounded by his family. In the months leading up to his death, Michael and Lindsey got married after they managed to arrange an event in just 48 hours.
Amiyra Bader, 35, one of Michael's closest friends, spoke of how he loved his family, wife and two little girls 'more than anything'. Paying tribute to her pal, she 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."
Amiyra said she was in awe of how 'strong' the devastated family are as she praised Michael and Lyndsey's kids for their confidence and bravery following their dad's death. Michael's funeral is due to take place on Wednesday, April 12 at Blessed Sacrament Church and a GoFundMe page has been created to raise funds for the service.
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"
Michael leaves behind his beloved wife and two daughters, along with his parents, brother and sisters. To donate to Michael's GoFundMe page click here.
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