A woman is aiming to bring forward the date of Bonfre Night and Christmas after her beloved step-dad discovered he only has weeks to live because of terminal cancer.
Billy Kirby, 77, was given the devastating news only three weeks ago, when doctors diagnosed a cancer of the kidney had spread to his organs and bones.
The widower is now being cared for in his final weeks by mum-of-four Margi Stephen at her home in Netherton.
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Margi, 42, said: "My step-dad absolutely adores Bonfire Night and Christmas, but I don't think he's going to be with us for much longer.
"That's why I want to bring them forward before he passes. He only has a couple of weeks left which has been so heartbreaking to hear and heartbreaking to process.
"He'd first complained of severe back pain and I'd been in touch with his doctor's surgery about it, but by the time he went to hospital they discovered it was cancer and it was inoperable.
"I think he knew he had it but he was trying to protect me and his grandkids. He's been my confidant, best friend, everything."
Margi is now trying to organise an unforgettable final Bonfire Night for Billy, but will have to stage it later this month because of his rapidly deteriorating condition.
She said: "There's going to be a firework display, a DJ's coming out and a photographer. I've had so much support from all the parents and children in the street. They're doing us proud."
"Likewise with Christmas, I want to light up the close where we live. My step-dad used to love seeing the children happy, but he's now completely bed-bound.
"I pray he will be with us for a bit longer, but I don't think he will be. He's my world, he means so much to me."
Billy, who spent nearly all his working life at Long Lane Dairy Farm in Aintree, has five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
If anyone can help Margi with outdoor lights and decorations, please email millerswife@sky.com
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