Glasgow dad aims to 'make memories' with family after being given six months to live

A dad has made it his goal to make memories with his family after he was given just six months to live.

Throughout last year, Stewart Phimister started to notice a pain in his side, a build-up of acid and was suffering cramps.

The 40-year-old was told that he may have pulled a muscle; however, the Glasgow dad-of-one started to become more fatigued throughout the day.

After undergoing several blood tests and being referred to occupational therapy, Stewart called NHS 24 with the hopes of getting to the root of the pain.

The BAE Systems rigger received a diagnosis on January 15. Doctors said he had terminal bile duct cancer which has spread to his lymph nodes, spine, ribs and stomach lining.

He told STV News: “Last year I said that I thought I had cancer but they had to go through different procedures before they could identify the issue.

“After going to work again, I felt really sore. Eventually, I phoned NHS 24 and asked to be seen.

“I underwent an ultrasound scan and was told I was getting kept in. The doctor said there were a few suspicious masses on my liver, but it wasn’t conclusive.

Stewart is aiming to make as many memories as possible with his family. Stewart Phimister

“I phoned Alannah and my mum and the doctor said it was really bad. They said they were unable to remove anything and it was terminal.

“A doctor told me that I had between three and six months to live. You always see situations like this on TV and you can’t imagine it happening to you.

“When she told me, I was shell-shocked. At that point, I was devastated, and I was terrified to die. Everything goes through your mind.”

Stewart wants to spend as much time as possible with his daughter Darcie, who turns three in February, and his partner Alannah.

“It’s the most important six months of my life,” the dad explained.

“I still don’t want to die, I want to live life. I want to prolong this as much as possible.

“I will fight to the end. Making memories with my daughter and partner is all that matters right now.

“Every minute and second counts.”

The 40-year-old hopes his story will be used as an example to young, fit people who don’t go to the doctor when they feel something isn’t quite right.

Stewart said: “Cancer has not got an age, anybody can get it.

“I’m proof of that. If you think something is wrong you need to push for answers.

“If I didn’t push, I’d be getting up every morning and going to work.”

A fundraiser has since been launched by friends to ease the financial burden placed on the family.

More than £20,000 has been raised.

He said: “I can’t thank my family and friends enough for going out their way and doing so much for us as a family.

“It’s overwhelming and I couldn’t have envisaged this sort of support from everyone.

“People are so kind and loving and that’s what I’ve taken from the whole thing and using it to fight on.

“Time is precious, and people are taking time out of their lives to help me and our family; it’s unreal.”

To visit the GoFundMe click here.