THE family of a cancer-fighting dad whose tumour has grown back three times in the last 18 months are determined to give him the best life they can - starting with his 40th birthday celebrations.

Doctors first believed Trevor Wood, from Rayleigh, simply had a viral infection but was instead found to have stage four cancer.

Shortly after arriving at Queens Hospital, Romford, doctors confirmed that Mr Wood had Glioblastoma, the most aggressive cancer that begins within the brain.

Since his December 2018 diagnosis, the father-of-three has had an operation to remove 90 per cent of his tumour, plus chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Despite treatment, Trevor has seen the tumour grow back three times, the third with an additional two tumours on both sides of his temples.

Just weeks ago the family were given the devastating news that nothing else could be done to help him, and today are expecting a visit from the palliative care team to discuss end of life plans.

His wife, Leanne Wood, said: “We were told his body isn’t strong enough for chemotherapy and any surgery would potentially end his life. Last Friday he had a major seizure at home, I had to kick the door down to get in the room and call the ambulance.

“His personality has started to change and he is quite confused, he mostly sleeps all the time now.

“I feel numb and just broken and the kids are struggling too. With his big birthday coming up this July we want to make his last one as special as we possibly can.

“His goal is to live till he’s 40 - we’ll be doing something at home with his loved ones to celebrate.”

Leanne’s best friend, Becky Crocker, has now set up a Go Fund Me page to take the pressure off financially.

Money raised will go towards bills, a treat for their children Dani, Kiera and Bobby, or to pay for anything which may help Trevor enjoy life as best he can while supporting all the family.

Leanne, 41, continued: “With the pandemic and Trevor being unable to work we’ve really struggled financially, so anything little to help, even if it’s for days out so we can make memories together, would be hugely appreciated.

“He has done so much for others, whether it’s a food collection for charity, a mud run for Havens and even the Southend Half Marathon last year.

“It would mean the world to him and we’re so grateful for all your support.”

Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-trevor-and-leanne?fbclid=IwAR3Ixw9UEsopbAnHd0kq_hPDQs-tc9Vdsds24YBQp0v3YdH-NnHtWWz4ark