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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Carroll

Celtic-daft Scots groom dies weeks after stadium wedding following shock terminal cancer diagnosis

A Scots groom who married at Celtic Park just weeks after being given a devastating terminal cancer diagnosis has died.

Tributes have been paid to Michael Duffy after the dad-of-five passed away on Saturday, January 29.

Michael tied the knot with Julie Neilson on December 28 after the pair got engaged on Christmas Eve, 2020.

The couple had planned to wed in 2022 but at the start of December, Michael was given the shocking news he had secondary cancer in his liver.

The 44-year-old, who worked as a machinist, was dealt another blow when he was told by medics he had 'weeks to months' to live.

Julie Neilson and Michael Duffy (Supplied)

On Saturday, surrounded by his loved ones, Michael passed away leaving his family completely devastated.

His brother Anton O'Donnell led the tributes on social media in a heartbreaking post where he described Michael as 'a sound yin'

Anton said: "My dear, sweet and loving old brother Michael Duffy passed away on Saturday after a short, yet valiant battled with a vicious disease. To say that my family and I are heartbroken is a bit of an understatement.

"He truly was a sound yin. We couldn’t be prouder of Michael for the man he was and for the strength and dignity he possessed in his final days.

Michael Duffy and Julie Neilson at Celtic park Glasgow (DAILY RECORD)

"Michael departed this world in a room full of love with his family by his side, and as hard as it’s been, we’ll cherish the final 8 weeks we got to spend together.

"Love ye, dude."

Michael's cousin Kelly-Anne O'Donnell said: "My heart is broken and life will never be the same now that you are gone. Love you so much and you will be forever missed by everyone whose lives you touched.

"Rest Easy Cuz. Until we meet again."

Aaron McGinn said: "Rest in peace Michael Duffy. Haven’t met you long but your resilience to life will live on within me and I know that doesn’t mean much but you honestly spoke to me.

"What a guy and I pray the best for your family."

Following the shocking news last year the Airdrie couple decided they had to tie the knot quickly and booked the wedding for Celtic Park in tribute to Michael's beloved Hoops.

One of those that watched Michael and Julie walk down the aisle was eight-year-old daughter Ava, who has stage five cerebral palsy and a range of other medical conditions which are also sadly terminal.

Michael, Julie and Ava enjoyed a lovely day (DAILY RECORD)

Julie and Michael were supported by the Wedding Wish Makers charity and generous donations from loved ones and well-wishers to help create their dream big day.

This afternoon the charity said they were devastated to learn of Michael's passing.

In a post on Facebook they said: "It’s with great sadness to share this news.

"Michael passed away on Saturday surrounded by his loved ones. We send love to his wife Julie, their kids and all of their family and friends at this difficult time.

"Thanks to each and everyone of you who helped give this couple their dream of becoming husband and wife. It was an honour to be part of their special day."

The whole family gathered at Celtic park (DAILY RECORD)

After the wedding in December Julie told the Record they were not giving up hope.

They managed to get stem cell treatment for Ava in Panama around five years ago that has improved her quality of life, and Julie hoped to find treatment for Michael.

Julie said: "We are looking at all sorts of different options and seeing if there is anything we can do to slow down his condition or somewhere we can get a better variety of treatments.

"We are not giving up yet. We are fighters."

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