The news of becoming a father was bittersweet for 37-year-old Andrew Wresford.
After being told he was infertile due to colon cancer treatment, he was overjoyed to learn his partner Rachel Mitton, 36, was pregnant.
However, Andrew fears he may not live to see the birth of his ‘miracle child’ as doctors say he may only have a few months to live.
Father of four, Andrew, who was diagnosed with the disease in February last year, has been told he was infertile after undergoing chemotherapy.
Therefore, the two were stunned when Rachel became pregnant with the third child they had always dreamed of before Andrew fell ill in January.
The carpenter saw his GP after noticing symptoms including stomach pain and bloating, and a colonoscopy confirmed the tumor.
Andrew’s family initially believed his condition was manageable and treatable, but it quickly spread to other organs.
Just a few months after his diagnosis, he was told that his colon cancer was incurable. Then, earlier this year, doctors corrected Andrew’s survival time from a few years to months as his health began to rapidly deteriorate.
Rachel is now caring for him at home in Bradford, West Yorkshire, managing his pain and trying to prolong his life so he meets her due date in September.
Describing his whirlwind of emotions, Andrew said, “I’m scared of how Rachel will cope without me, but I’m excited that we’re having another child.”
“I’m also emotional that I won’t be there to meet my son.”
Rachel said she was devastated at losing her “rock and her best friend” but that her new son would keep “a different part of Andrew” alive.
“Me and Andrew wanted to have another child, so it was just meant to be — our little light in the dark,” she said.
“As heartbroken as I am to be raising our children without my rock and best friend, having this baby means another part of Andrew will always be with me – a true gift.”
“I couldn’t quite believe the timing of the pregnancy and was quite worried at first as Andrew’s health was my top priority.”
“But life should always be celebrated and I know this little boy will bring much needed love and joy to everyone, even in the most difficult of times.”
Earlier this year, the family managed to get some time together before Andrew’s condition deteriorated and he needed an ostomy bag fitted.
“He’s changed dramatically physically,” Rachel said.
“It was really heartbreaking to see him waste away. “He’s 1.80 meters tall and has always been big and strong.”
Although Andrew had received chemotherapy despite his prognosis in hopes it would slow the pace of his decline, he chose not to continue on the next cycle as it made him feel so ill.
His sister Jackie Hamilton, 48, who had flown back from Australia to be with him, commented: “They said if he had chemo again it was now or never but they couldn’t guarantee he would make it .” a little better.
“It’s upsetting for the whole family, but we’re not going through this, it’s not because of our bodies.”
On the pregnancy news, she added, “It’s bittersweet, mixed feelings.”
“He will never meet his father and my brother may not be able to see his baby being born in September.” [But] “It’s nice for Rachel to have a different part of him.”
Jackie helps raise funds for Andrew’s family. Visit GoFundMe Donate.
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