In late October 2024, Nathan started feeling generally unwell. A few antibiotics later, Nathan ended up having to go to A&E with pain in his ribs and a fever.

On Thursday 25th October, he was seen and admitted into Airedale Hospital after some concerning scans and tests results. Nathan had a 2.2cm mass in his chest cavity, a partial collapsed lung, and enlarged lymph nodes. Within days, he was taken for various biopsy’s and other tests, but he started deteriorating and rapidly.

On Thursday 21st November, we were told the devastating news that Nathan had been diagnosed with an Advanced NUT Tumour, one of the rarest and most aggressive cancers that exist, which inevitably is not curable.

We didn’t think it was possible to get worse, but on Friday 22nd November, whilst we were waiting for Nathan to go for his first round of chemotherapy, we got the further crushing news that in just a mere 36 hours his cancer had spread from part of his lungs, to his entire body, and that he only had days maybe a week left.

With the help from the hospital and Pendleside Hospice, we were able to have Nathan home and comfortable that night. Mountains were moved, and myself and Nathan managed to get married at 11:30pm on the Friday evening in our own home.

The next day, we had decided to having a ‘blessing’ of our marriage in front of family and friends. The Pendleside Hospice team not only helped Nathan get ready for the special day, but also brought decorations and gifts for us to treasure.

Heartbreakingly, after such a magical and special day that was showered with love, laughter and light. Nathan passed away in the early hours of Sunday 24th November.

Pendleside Hospice were a pillar of care for Nathan, they offered unwavering support during his short time at home and still to myself afterwards. The carers that were assigned to Nathan were not there to just do their job, they looked after Nathan and myself, and within even just a few hours, it felt like we had known them all for years.

Nathans favourite place was always in the mountains. You could guarantee that no matter the weather, he would get up, get out and go hiking up a hill - whether that was in Barnoldswick, the Lake District or in Scotland.

Therefore, I have challenged myself to hike the Volcanic Country of Iceland, trekking around 40km of rough terrain over the course of 3 days. Taking us up to Gelgingaldir (the youngest volcano) and neighbouring Fagradaslsfjall. Before exploring the Mount Hengill heritage site, scaling the impressive Vörðuskeggi Peak, and trekking along the fault lines between Europe and America. All in memory of Nathan, and to make our little boy Noah proud.