A baby is to be delivered early so their dad battling terminal cancer will have the chance to meet his child.
Jamie Hunter, 38, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in March after going for numerous tests having suffered crippling pain in his side since October last year.
But just a month later, the teacher and football coach was given the heartbreaking news the disease had spread to his liver, with no cure.
It came as he and partner Beccy Flint were preparing to become first-time parents, with their little one expected at the end of May, according to Birmingham Live.
They've now taken decision to bring the birth forward to May 10 in hopes Jamie can cuddle his baby.
"Jamie will never be able to celebrate his baby’s first birthday, teach them to ride a bike and learn to swim or be there for their first day at school," said his best friend Phil Taylor, who met Jamie around 15 years ago when they both played for Sutton United Football Club.
"These are the things we take for granted. As if life isn’t cruel enough, Beccy may have to face childbirth without Jamie, as his health is deteriorating every day."
Phil and his friend Chad Duggan have launched a crowdfunding page in a bid to raise £100,000 to support Jamie's care, his family and Baby Hunter.
There has been a huge response to the appeal and it has been retweeted by Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
"They were over the moon about having a baby, it was everything he's wanted," said Phil, who is a plumber.
"He's always put himself out for everyone else before himself.
"He has managed two under-sevens teams right through to under-16s and onto adult teams. Jamie is also a huge Manchester United fan with a massive heart, who has dedicated his life to football and teaching."
He added: "He's godfather to my daughter and my best friend. I know the money we raise isn't going to keep him here. If it could, I'd give it all back. But I thought we should do whatever we can to support Beccy and the baby."
Jamie, who works as a PE teacher in Birmingham, joined Sutton United as a teenager and returned as a manager and coach after deciding to stop playing in 2018.
Phil said: "He has taken teams from six and seven years of age all the way through to adult football. Jamie loved this so much he did it twice!"
He added: "As a PE teacher, he has touched so many lives and has been an outstanding role model, developing young people through all walks of life. The kids love him at school, He's always helping kids.
"Alongside his amazing coaching efforts he also played for the club's first team."
The friends hope to raise £100,000 for Jamie and his family and have pledged a donation would be made to John Taylor Hospice,which has been supporting the couple, who met through football.
You can make a donation to the JustGiving page here.
Phil said: "We will be organising a calendar of planned events over the next year which will include football tournaments, charity football matches, running & cycling challenges and many other events bringing Jamie’s whole extended family together.
"It's an awfully bleak situation, but Jamie will be the first to tell you that this isn't over just yet. There are so many amazing things to say about Jamie, that no words can do him justice."
