GARETH Brown will be remembered forever for his trademark smile and unwavering bravery. AMY FENTON spoke to those who knew him best whose mission now is to let everyone know how proud they were of him

FROM the moment he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer to his final breath as his devoted dad held his hand at their family home in Barrow, 28-year-old Gareth Brown “never stopped fighting and never gave up hope”.

Speaking proudly of his dogged determination in the face of adversity, parents Karen and Steve described how their football-loving son continued to put others first throughout his cancer battle.

“He used to play football a lot, and in 2015 when he started getting joint pain, he assumed it was from football and he was given steroid injections and referred to rheumatology,” mum Karen, 54, recalled.

“But then in Easter 2016 he was getting really bad hip pain and ended up in A&E. They did an MRI and the doctor wouldn't let him leave, she said something wasn't right.”

After more tests, and a bone biopsy, consultants discovered Gareth had cancer, a rare form of the disease in his adrenal gland known as pheochromocytoma.

Despite an initially positive prognosis, in which doctors at Christie’s specialist cancer centre in Manchester advised he could still possibly live into his 50s, Gareth took a turn for the worse last month. Within two days of being admitted to Furness General Hospital, tests confirmed he had just weeks to live.

Friends and family showed their love for the popular footballer, who played for Furness Cavaliers and worked at Sellafield, by organising a gathering after he was given the news, and although cash donated on the night was set to be given to Gareth to “do something he’d always wanted”, the selfless former Parkview pupil said “no, give it to the oncology department at FGH”.

The massive Manchester United fan was fortunate enough to join 15 close friends and family in a box to watch Michael Carrick’s testimonial at Old Trafford on June 5. After the game, the former Man U midfielder joined Gareth to show his support.

Gareth’s girlfriend of two years, Chelsea Rimmer, described how towards the end, and even when his illness eventually took his eyesight from him, he “always put everyone else first” and played with his nieces, nephews and stepson Kai, who all called him their hero.

“He never once felt sorry for himself, even when he was told he only had weeks to live he never gave up hope,” the 25-year-old said.

Last Tuesday, on June 27, at his parents’ home in Gloucester Street, and with dad Steve holding his hand, Gareth finally succumbed to the cruel disease which tragically cut short such a remarkable young man’s life.

“We just want everyone to know how proud we are of him for being so brave. He was so inspirational,” mum Karen said.

Gareth’s funeral is set to take place on Friday at St George’s Church at 2pm, followed by a gathering at the Lisdoonie Hotel. Any donations will be given to the oncology unit at FGH.

You can donate to the family's fundraising for the oncology unit at their JustGiving page HERE .

Many of Gareth's friends have also spoken of their love for him.

Dan Hayes said: "The lads loved how he was one of the first to party, he had such a bubbly personality and brought us all together."

Craig Mcilvogue wrote: "Gareth... We will race behind you, we will stumble and fall but in time we will join you in the sun. There was just an aura about you."

Daniel Hammond said: "Our brave warrior... forever a friend. Forever a treasured memory. An inspiration to all and always in our hearts."

PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Skin sensations

Flank pain

Elevated heart rate

Elevated blood pressure

Palpitations

Anxiety often resembling that of a panic attack

Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)

Headaches – most common symptom

Pallor

Weight loss

Localized amyloid deposits found microscopically

Elevated blood glucose level.