Tributes have flooded in for a dad who died days after celebrating his 40th birthday with his family.
Darren Mason's family had a history of bowel cancer and he and his siblings were tested for the Familial Adenomatous Polyposis gene (FAP) which means genetic mutations can occur spontaneously. When Darren, from Earlestown, was younger it was confirmed he had the gene.
It meant the dad-of-one had to have regular check-ups and also had bowel surgery to remove a growth. But just before Christmas last year Darren went into hospital for pains in his leg, and was later diagnosed with bowel cancer.
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Earlier this year he was told the cancer had spread to his lungs and there was nothing else that could be done. Darren died on April 10, 2022 just days after spending his 40th birthday in hospital.
Since the ECHO published a previous article about Darren's story, dozens of tributes for the dad and messages of support for his family have poured in. Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, Karen Chapman said: "So sad, our prayers are with your family and friends."
Irene Terry added: "May the lad rest in peace my heart goes out to his family." Barbara Thurston also said: "How very sad. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time. RIP."
Darren's grieving family said they also face a "constant battle" as his daughter Zoya has inherited the same gene. Darren's sister Jackie is also battling the disease and means both will require regular testing and potential surgery.
In the hopes of raising awareness and funds to help find a cure, dedicated family members set themselves the challenge of completing the three Yorkshire peaks. But now, the family want to do more for the cause, and keep their brother's memory alive.
Brother Chris told the ECHO: "It really succeeded our expectations. We raised over £8,000 for bowel cancer which is a phenomenal amount.
"It was a great achievement but then we were like right, what's next? We just want to raise what we can and keep topping up the fundraising page. It's an honour to keep his name going.
"It's getting his picture out there and his memory alive. I work in St Helens college and we do an awards ceremony and we've got an award in his name. It sounds daft but we are doing what we can in his memory.
"We know we can't eradicate it but if we can get a cure or we can help in any way. My niece has the gene and we know what's coming, we know she has to have regular checks and tests and potential surgery, a constant battle, so the more we can do to help research the better."
As well as losing their brother Darren to the disease, Chris, Andy and Jackie also lost their auntie and cousin and Jackie also faces a "constant" battle. Chris added: "Zoya, we know has the gene, and so she will be monitored until a certain age and then we find out if she needs surgery, Jackie, my sister, has had her bowel removed and she's constantly being monitored.
"It's a constant battle but we are doing our best and if we can raise awareness and ensure people know about the disease and know about the gene and keen Darren's memory alive, it's a good thing. People shouldn't brush off any symptoms, if something is wrong then go and get checked. It's the kind of thing that creeps up so it's better to be checked."
The family have now set themselves the challenge to walk the six Snowdon paths in 24-hours. Anyone wishing to donate or to support the family can do so by clicking here.
Chris said: "Darren would be laughing his head off, especially after the last fundraiser but I hope he's proud. It's really helped us with our grief, people deal with it in different ways but I'd like to thank everyone for their support and everyone who has donated. We even had donations from complete strangers. It's the kind of thing that affects so many people and we just want to help."
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