Father of three fundraising after cancer diagnosis

Lewis Daines wants to make sure his family have support in the future

A father of three from West Sussex has raised almost £50,000 to support his wife and children after he was diagnosed with a cancer that normally cannot be cured.

Lewis Daines, from Crawley, had a persistent cough that led to the discovery of his metastatic lung cancer in May.

The aggressive form of cancer has spread to his bones, liver and brain, Mr Daines said.

He said: "The thought of not seeing my children grow up, taking them to school, or being there to support them is heartbreaking."

Mr Daines was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in May

The 35-year-old said he "felt so foolish" for not having taken out life insurance and turned to GoFundMe to support his family.

He said: "The doctors told me I may have only seven months to live.

"I’ve never been good with words or asking for help, but the reality that I won’t be able to support my family, and that they may face financial struggles is overwhelming."

Mr Daines, an advanced nurse practitioner, caught Covid but said after other symptoms cleared up, a cough remained.

He told BBC South East: "Time went on and I still had this cough but otherwise was completely well in myself."

When a pain developed in his chest and shoulder he had a CT scan.

He said: "It went from bad to worse from there."

Though he used to be fit and healthy and go to the gym, Mr Daines said he now struggles to get out of bed most days because of the pain and his shortness of breath.

He said: “Having three young kids as well makes it so much harder because they want to play and they can’t understand why daddy can’t get on the floor and roll around with them,” he added.

Mr Daines said he was "terrified" of leaving his family without support.

"You think at this age you're a bit invincible, nothing like this is going to happen."

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