Dad faces terminal cancer as family plans wedding

A father from Netherley is diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer after two rounds of antibiotics fail to clear a water infection, and his family races to marry before it progresses.

Dad learns terminal cancer and plans wedding after antibiotics fail

Paul Rainford, 46, began suffering water infection symptoms in April. After two courses of antibiotics there was no improvement and he was referred for further tests. Doctors diagnosed prostate cancer that had spread to his bones and lymph nodes, and by June 26 he was told the cancer was terminal. He has started chemotherapy as his family plans a wedding with his partner Lisa Lacy. His sister Helen Reynolds set up a GoFundMe to cover wedding costs, and within three days the page had raised nearly £6,000 with public support pouring in from the local community and Everton fans. Paul and Lisa, who have two children Isabelle eight and Oliver six, have long been engaged but delayed marriage due to family finances and home buying. The family is also organizing a raffle to help with costs and donations can be made through the GoFundMe page.

This story centers on a family facing a life altering illness while trying to preserve a future together. It shows how a community rally can turn a personal dream into a shared mission, yet it also highlights the strain that a cancer diagnosis places on finances and everyday life. The focus on a wedding adds a human touch to a grim prognosis, illustrating how love and practical needs collide in crisis. At the same time, it raises questions about early cancer detection and how non specific symptoms like infections can delay a diagnosis for months.

Highlights

Hope and help travel faster than a diagnosis