Adam Letman was a super-fit dad who doted on his two young daughters.
But when he started experiencing pain going to the toilet he knew he needed to book an appointment with his GP.
After several visits he was eventually diagnosed with the most advanced stage of bowel cancer which could not be cured.
He tragically died just 11 months later at the age of 39.
"I think because he was young, it was assumed there was nothing seriously wrong with him," said his widow Rebecca, who had been married to Adam for six years.
“Adam was well-loved and popular, and he loved the girls. We all really miss him.”
Adam, who worked as an operations manager at David Lloyd health club, was found to have stage four bowel cancer two days before Christmas Day in 2014.
He had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy following his diagnosis but his health continued to deteriorate.
Rebecca, 38, from Rhiwbina, added: “It was such a shock when Adam was diagnosed. He was so fit and would train all the time – we just didn’t expect it all.
"We all hoped he was going to get better.”
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The couple, who met as work colleagues, would have been celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary this year.
Rebecca hopes that by sharing his story it will encourage other people to get checked and push for further tests if they are worried.
"Early diagnosis is so important," she added.
His two daughters Darcy and Betsy Letman, who were only four and two respectively when their father died, are now taking part in a charity event in his memory.
The siblings, now eight and five years old, have are launching Cardiff’s Pretty Muddy Kids - an obstacle course designed specifically for children - at Bute Park on Saturday, July 6.
During the event, boys and girls will wriggle through scramble nets, bounce on space hoppers and crawl through a mud pit to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The traditional Race for Life 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events will also take place at the same venue over the weekend of July 6 and 7.
This year, for the first time, they are open to male as well as female participants.
Rebecca added: “Darcy and Betsy are really proud to be helping Cancer Research UK in memory of their daddy. I know they are delighted they can do something special in his name."
Pretty Muddy Kids is open to boys and girls aged five to 12 years old. The entry fee for is £10. All children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
To enter go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.
