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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Aaliyah Rugg

Dad given two years to live as childhood friend vows to fight for him

The childhood friends of a man who was given a devastating diagnosis have vowed to "fight together" as they "will not give up".

Michael Moriarty, from Walton, was initially diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and his initial concerns were dismissed as nothing more than haemorrhoids.

But on Christmas Eve in 2020 he was given a devastating diagnosis of cancerous tumours in his bowel, liver and lung.

READ MORE: Tributes to 'wonderful' dad killed after storm debris smashed through windscreen

Since the start of last year Michael has been undertaking a series of gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy bouts to reduce the size of the tumours.

But the 36-year-old was dealt with another devastating blow after six rounds of treatment, when he was told he had just two years left to live and there was no further treatment available.

But childhood friends Jamie Hodge and Paul McKay, along with Gary Judge, have pledged to do all they can to help Michael get alternative treatment abroad.

Jamie told the ECHO that despite the heartbreaking news, it has reunited the group of friends, who had drifted apart over the years, and now they are "in this fight together".

He added: "Michael is a great lad, he's a lovely person, really positive and lively.

"This diagnosis was devastating but what it has done, a few of us fell out of touch over the years but it's brought us all back together. We are a community where we grew up.

"Now, friends and family have been organising things for him and it's really brought us all back together.

Michael Moriarty, 36, from Walton was told he had haemorrhoids and Irritable Bowel Syndrome before his diagnosis. (Michael Moriarty)

"We aren't giving up. We want to help him. We are in this fight with him."

To help raise funds to find alternative treatment, the three friends will be taking part in a 130 mile bike ride from Leeds to Liverpool on March 5.

Jamie said: "Myself, Gary and Paul are all at various levels of fitness so it's going to be a challenge but we didn't want it to be a walk in the park.

"We wanted a challenge to test us and show him we are in this fight with him and we are here to help him.

"He's only a young man but he's positive and he's fighting it all the way. He's not giving up and neither are we.

The dad-of-two hopes the alternative treatments can give him more time with his family. Michael with partner Lyndsey, and daughters Libby and Phoebe. (Michael Moriarty)

"It's been devastating for his partner and two young girls so we are doing everything we can to help. We will be getting an early train to Leeds and then riding back to Liverpool.

"It will be tough but at the same time it's for a great cause. We are also holding charity events too so if anyone does want to donate to help, please do."

Anyone wishing to donate can do so online by clicking here.

Michael's mum Bernadette previously spoke to the ECHO and said it has been heartbreaking to see her child go through what he has.

She said: "It's horrendous - I'm literally heartbroken.

"That's not how the circle of life goes. You don't ever think you'll bury your own child.

"It's heartbreaking but seeing his strength stops me from breaking down."

Michael has to raise between £40,000-50,000 for the treatment but is being supported by a fantastic support group of friends and family.

More information can be found online by clicking here.

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