Appeal to help young Cornwall dad - battling cancer - have honeymoon to remember
Ryan Curtis from Looe has an advanced colorectal tumour and is due to get married in April 2021
Last updated 17th Mar 2021
An appeal has been launched to help a young dad from Cornwall who is battling cancer have a wedding and honeymoon to remember.
Ryan Curtis from Looe has already had chemo and radiotherapy after being diagnosed with an advanced colorectal tumour.
The former Royal Marine, who served two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, is waiting to hear if he will qualify for surgery.
If not, he could be facing end of life care.
Ryan, who transferred to the Royal Navy to be a full-time Physical Training Instructor in 2019, is due to marry partner Heather in April 2021.
Now his friends have launched a Crowdfunder appeal to help the couple enjoy a special honeymoon.
Speaking to us earlier this week, Ryan said the support from his colleagues, mates and family has been overwhelming.
"It was almost seven months before I got diagnosed and by that point, the amount of pain I was in, it kind of wasn't a shock.
"I never expected that I'd have cancer, especially so young.
"It's heartbreaking but what can you do other than crack on and try do the best you can?
"If I don't qualify for surgery then we're looking towards end of life care or looking at other options - trial treatment and things like this.
"So, either way, it's going to be nice just nice to have those memories together and give us that time together - that quality time together".
Ryan Curtis
The Just Giving page has been set up by the Leading Physical Trainer Qualifying Course 66 and their training team.
"After months of pain & numerous misdiagnosis, Ryan was told by doctors that he had advanced Colorectal Cancer. You can read his heart-wrenching story here.
"He is a young, fit & healthy individual but is now at a stage whereby if his current treatment does not shrink his cancer then he will not be able to undergo surgery & his final option is end of life care!
"He & Heather are getting married on 15th April 2021 & the training team & members of LPTQC66 are raising money to assist with their ceremony & afford them a honeymoon after the lock down restrictions have been lifted.
"In teams of 3 they will be completing: A channel swim (in a swimming pool), an individual 66 mile cycle & a 66 mile run, these events will run one after the other until all distances are completed.
"Please donate to this very special cause so that Ryan & Heather with their sons can enjoy a very special family wedding & a honeymoon of their choosing.
"Thank you".
LPTQC66 on Just Giving
You can read more about the fundraiser for Ryan's wedding and honeymoon here.