Fundraising to help Wakefield dad-of-two to complete bucket list after 'shattering' cancer diagnosis

Andy Stephenson, 37, was told on Friday that he has only 12 months to live after being diagnosed with a rare cancer, which has now spread.

He was told the devastating news just two weeks after attending A&E in Barnsley Hospital with stomach pains.

His wife of 20 years, Kerry, said: "I am absolutely shattered. My body feels like it's being crushed.

"I can't believe I'm going to lose my best friend."

Now, friends, family and the wider community, calling themselves #AndysArmy, are showing their support by fundraising to help him, and his family, complete their bucket list.

Kerry said: "We are so overwhelmed that people want to help us - and as Andy says, there is one more round and he hasn't heard the bell yet.

"For everyone to come together is so heartwarming."

Andy, who also battled Retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer, when he was a baby, is hoping to fight for as long as possible.

Kerry said: "To be told there is nothing they can do within two weeks of finding out about the cancer is heartbreaking.

"We thought we would grow old together. It breaks me knowing there's nothing I can do to help him or to stop it.

"He has been so positive. I worship the ground he walks on.

"I just wish we had another 20 years to make even more memories."

Emma Mason, owner of Sun Inn pub in South Hiendley, has known the couple for many years and is supporting them by hosting fundraising events.

Emma said: "He had cancer as a child and he beat it, but to be told you could only have a year left is devastating.

" They are so in love. The love and support they have for each other makes everyone love and support them even more.

"And we will always be there for them."

A fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 14 at The Sun Inn with live performances.

All funds raised will be shared between #Andy'sArmy and the Prostate Cancer charity.

Multiple fundraisers are being held across Wakefield, Barnsley and Leeds with all friends and family getting involved.

Close friends Tara and Duane Hurst, from Leeds, have set out to help the family and host multiple events across the city.

Tara said:" There was no more devastating news for Duane than that Andy has cancer, they are as close as brothers.

"I knew we had to start fund raising to make sure Kerry and Andy create so many amazing memories.

"With everything they have going on as positive as they both are money shouldn’t be a worry.

"We want to focus less on the things we can’t change and more on the things we can. They are such genuine people it’s impossible not to love them, one more round Andy I didn't hear the bell he’s the most brave amazing soul I’ve ever met."

A fundraising event will be held on Sunday, April 12 at Peggy Tub Social Club in Hunslet with all funds donated to #Andy'sArmy.

A coast to coast bike ride from Morecambe to Leeds has also been organised by friend Wayne Adams.

Kerry's sister, Sarah O'keefe, created a Gofundme page with all donations welcome to help the family make as many memories as possible.

Kerry said:" I would like to thank Ward 29 at Barnsley Hospital for everything, they treat Andy like royalty, they are amazing nurses and a fantastic team.

"And a special thank you to my sister for setting up the fundraising page also, Sam and Graham at the Top Club, South Hiendley for hosting events for us . Everyone has been so supportive of us, it's amazing."

To donate to #Andy'sArmy visit the gofundme page here.