A brave young Scot died of bowel cancer six days after he was diagnosed.
Darren Forrest passed away on Monday following a short battle with the illness after he was diagnosed less than a week before.
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the 23-year-old, from Banchory, who has been described as "the most kind hearted, loving and strongest Scottish boy".
On Tuesday last week Darren took to social media to tell his friends he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
He had gone to his GP after suffering stomach pain, a loss of appetite and extreme fatigue.
Two days later, on Thursday, he updated his friends on Facebook to say his cancer had spread and was now incurable.
In a heartbreaking post, Darren said: "Life update. My cancer has now spread to other organs in my body and I will now receive palliative treatment to improve my quality of life at home with my family as it cannot be cured!
"I appreciate all the messages of support and love.
"If you can please give generously to support future lives where no one dies from bowel cancer, I'd appreciate it xx"
Tributes have poured in from heartbroken friends and family following his sudden death.
Reiss Badham said: "6 days after being diagnosed with cancer, Darren has passed away. 6 days.
"Life is beyond cruel. There's no words, I'm truly devastated.
"Thank you to everyone who donated. Love you Daz."
Dom Criscione said: "It’s with a heavy heart I write that Darren Forrest sadly passed away last night after his tough battle with cancer.
"Heaven truly has gained the most amazing of Angels.
"The fun times we all shared will never be forgotten and we will love you forever."
Joe Holmes said: "Today I got the devastating news that a good friend of mine, Darren Forrest, lost his battle with terminal bowel cancer at just the young age of 23.
"He was the most kind hearted, loving and strongest Scottish boy that I knew.
"Darren you're the most amazing person, a huge inspiration. Rest easy now big man."
Luke Byfield said: "It is with a lot of sadness that today I found out my friend Darren Forrest passed away.
"I’ll never forget our little walk up the Clent Hills in which you had a cut up lemon in a bottle of water, which you thought was gonna be refreshing; but had in fact gone off! Will always look at a lemon and think of you from now on!
"RIP and party hard up there, heaven has gained yet another angel this year."
Jordan Hallsworth added: "Absolute heartbreak! Life is so cruel! Such a young age. RIP Darren Forrest."
After his shock diagnosis last week, Darren launched a fundraiser to raise cash for Bowel Cancer UK.
The 23-year-old said he never imagined cancer would happen to him.
The aim of his JustGiving page - which he named 'Never Too Young' - was to campaign to improve early diagnosis, "especially for those who are 'too young to have cancer'".
Darren wrote: "My symptoms were predominantly constant pain in my stomach and back, complete loss of appetite and extreme fatigue.
"After a emergency call with my GP I was sent for examinations and tests, which revealed high infection levels in my blood and I was referred straight away to A&E, for further examinations and tests. I was subsequently diagnosed with bowel cancer and hopefully start my treatment soon.
"It’s all happened so quickly, I never imagined it would happen to me.
"Bowel cancer remains very rare in young people in the UK, despite being the 4th most common type of cancer. Much more needs to be done to support the early diagnosis of younger bowel cancer patients, bowel screening currently only takes place in older people.
"My goal is to raise awareness about this horrible disease that anyone can get and support of Bowel Cancer UK's campaign to improve early diagnosis, especially for those who are 'too young to have cancer'."
Over £10,000 has already been raised towards the cancer charity and Darren's friends and family have urged folk to donate following his death.
To donate, click here.
