A FATHER-of-two who died of cancer faced the illness with such courage that he continues to inspire loved ones after his death.

Andrew Fleetham, of West Cornforth, County Durham, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2010 and the following March had a major operation to remove his stomach.

After two years in remission, Mr Fleetham, an accountant at the forces trade organisation, NAAFI, in Darlington, was told a secondary cancer of the liver had developed.

The 30-year-old died at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, on Saturday, May 25 before he could begin chemotherapy treatment.

Wife Rachael, 29, said: “He always told us he’d beat it and was feeling okay, always protecting us.

“Other people affected by cancer have looked to Andrew for strength, he is an inspiration.”

Mrs Fleetham said that when the couple met during a night out in Durham in February, 2005, they knew instantly they should be together.

She said: “People talk about ‘the one’ and he was mine, I really believe that.”

He was also a doting father to daughters Ellie, seven, and Abigail, two.

After promising to make the most of life, Mr Fleetham completed a wish list of things to do which included getting married in Rhodes, holidaying with friends in Las Vegas and taking his family to Disneyland Paris.

Determined never to miss a good party or let anyone down, he also managed to be best man at the wedding of friends Gaz and Emma Bowdler, of Darlington, in March.

His sister, Amy said: “He was a real party animal, he was always upbeat and had real willpower.”

His positive outlook inspired friends and family to raise more than £3,000 for cancer charities and they have asked that donations in his memory be made to Macmillan Cancer Support and Ward 36 of the RVI, which both cared for him.

Mother, Susan, said: “We cannot thank them enough, we really appreciate everyone’s support which shows how well thought of he was.

“He always put other people first and every day was made better just by knowing him.”

And father, Gary, added: “He was the perfect son, father and husband.

“He treasured and lived for his family who always came first but he loved his friends, football and horseracing too.”

Mourners at Mr Fleetham’s funeral at The Holy Trinity Church, in West Cornforth, on Thursday (June 6) are asked not to wear all black.

Mr Fleetham said: “What is the point of wearing black for such a happy person?”