A terminally ill man who died aged just 26 got to spend less than 18 months with his baby son - butsaid "it meant the world" to see his child being born.

Michael Blackett suffered from the genetic disorder of cystic fibrosis for most of his life, having been diagnosed when he was only 16 months.

The illness affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines and patients have to take large amounts of medication and have physiotherapy to clear their lungs - often several times a day.

 

He and his wife decided against the odds to have a child and went on to have their son Corey-George, now aged two, in June 2012. Michael died just 17 months later in October 2013.

Now Michael's mum Andrea is doing a charity walk with Corey-George in Michael's honour.

Michael was a drayman for Wentworth Breweries, an accomplished musician and had begun training as an engineer with Sheffield Council.

Andrea added: "Even as a child, Michael was always a lively little chap with a zest for life and a great tolerance for all his treatment. He lived life at 100 miles an hour.

"His son Corey-George is beautiful and the image of his daddy."

People can sponsor Andrea and Corey-George at www.justgiving.com/coreygeorge

 

** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated June 13. **