A teenager who was given a devastating terminal brain tumour diagnosis is focused on greeting his baby son who is due to be born next month.
17-year-old Tom Belcher from West Hull, was given the news in January this year that he would have between six and 12 months to live.
The shattering diagnosis was just weeks after Tom found out from his girlfriend Ellie Burnett that he was going to be a dad, reports Hull Live.
Tom has gone from being a "cheeky chappy" who was readily up for an adventure, to being wheelchair bound with speech, hearing and sight issues in merely a few months.
But according to Tom's mum, Clare Briggs, he is as headstrong as ever, and intends to fight in order to witness the birth of his son, who will be named Tommy, and ensure he has the best life possible.
Tom's symptoms started in November 2021, when he started to lose his balance and developed a squint.
Clare, 41, said: "Tom always used to love going out with his friends so when I noticed him wobbling about, I honestly thought he was just drunk.
"Tom knew something was wrong but he didn't open up to anyone about it at the time. I found out he was getting his work friend to fill out his paperwork in exchange for sweets because he was struggling to see.
"I'm a nurse myself, so there was a point where I knew something more was going on and took him to the doctors.
"In December, we were told he had a brain tumour and he underwent some radiotherapy but it wasn't until January this year that they confirmed it was terminal."
At the point where Tom still had hope to get better, his girlfriend Ellie shared the news that she was pregnant and due in September
Clare continued: "It is really hard knowing that Tom won't be here to see his son, little Tommy, grow up- but in a way the baby will mean a piece of Tom is still with us.
"Ellie has been really good and often comes round to see Tom. She's getting so big herself as she gets further along in her pregnancy and Tom is in his wheelchair and struggles with his independence, so it is getting a bit challenging.
"Tom has given his older brother Nathan strict instructions on what he wants him do with Tommy. He wants him to take him fishing, learn to play rugby and ride a bike, even if Nathan doesn't enjoy those activities, it has to be what Tom always liked to do."
Clare praised her son's love of adventure and his close relationship with his mates.
She said his friends are always popping in and out to check in on Tom, even if he can't communicate much anymore.
Tom's family and friends, with the help of Life For A Kid Foundation in Hull, have set up a charity day which will take place on Saturday to raise money for his unborn son.
Clare and the family are hoping for a great turnout to raise plenty of money for little Tommy. If you would like to donate online, you can find the fundraiser here.
