A family celebrated Christmas early, just before their dad lost his battle with cancer.
Nick Minion was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2017 after he became 'delusional' during a family Christmas holiday to Cornwall.
On the trip, Nick started getting ‘really confused’ and acting out of character despite previously showing no other concerning symptoms.
READ MORE: Steven Gerrard's daughter Lilly turns 18 in style as she parties at hotel
After undergoing a number of tests after the family returned home, it wasn't long until they were given the devastating news that Nick had a ‘very advanced’ form of prostate cancer.
Grace's partner Jake, who is from West Kirby in Wirral., told the ECHO : “At the time they were told that they never expected him to recover from it.
“But he managed to go into remission and got rid of most of the cancer - that was by the end of 2017.
“He pretty much continued to live life to the best that he could. He was massively into his motorbikes. He loved swimming, running and sports and he just carried on.”
Four years went by and, against all odds, Nick’s life returned almost to normal, he was no longer having chemotherapy and just had to take a course of steroids for the diagnosis.
But in July last year, Nick fell ill again.
Jake, who met 22-year-old Grace while on a training course the year after Nick's diagnosis, said: “Nick got really really ill, very very quickly.
“He started vomiting frequently and had a loss in appetite and started his second load of chemo, but he still carried on as much as he could and even worked up until around September or October."
Despite the cancer quickly taking over Nick’s body, in September the Cheshire man even competed in a swimming race in Liverpool Docks and took away first place.
Jake said while though Nick was fighting a tough battle with a very severe form of cancer, he appeared 'really healthy, doing lots of stuff - everything he could and wasn't bedbound until the very end'.
The family, who live in Tarporley in Cheshire, were informed that due to the severity of Nick’s cancer and how far along it was, it was unlikely he would go back into remission this time.
His doctors looked into potential drug trial opportunities to enrol the 63-year-old onto, but it all came back to the progression of the cancer and meant there was nothing they could do.
With that news, the family knew they needed to make the most of the time they had left. Grace and Nick, who both graduated from Liverpool John Moores last year, planned a ''fake graduation ceremony/Christmas Day' in November so Nick could witness the two officially complete their studies.
Jake said: "The day went really well. We had lots of fun and ate a Christmas dinner and mussels from the local fishmongers which Nick loved.
"Nick's other daughter Katie joined us from France and was able to stay for a few days which was the last time she saw him before he died.
"It was probably one of his best days and brought him out of such a low mood and was truly smiling and happy, even if it was for a short period of time."
On January 6, Nick lost his battle to cancer while surrounded by Grace, Jake and Grace's mum Paula.
Throughout his diagnosis Jake said Nick was under the care of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity which Jake said allowed for Nick to continue living as himself.
He said: "Nick was able to mountain bike, surf, wild swim and hike for five great years after his first advanced prostate diagnosis because of the amazing support and treatment he received from Clatterbridge Cancer Trust. Throughout this tough time, Clatterbridge was a constant support and provided all the help they could, to both Nick and his family."
In a bid to give back to the charity that provided Nick and the family 'massive support' during his illness, Jake has decided to take on a half marathon on May 15 as a nod to Nick who 'was always doing triathlons and marathons'.
Launching an online fundraiser on January 16, Jake set the target as £500, which he admitted he 'didn't imagine raising anywhere near that', however in just four days the goal has been met almost twice over.
Jake added: "I'm absolutely blown away. Honestly, it's sad but I didn’t really think anyone would donate, it was just one of those things and a lot of people do social media fundraising now but I thought we'll see what happens.
"I'm so grateful for everyone who has helped reach almost double."
To donate to Jake's fundraiser, click here.
