A DAD-OF-THREE with a rare cancer is aiming to raise £10,000 for pioneering treatment so he can see his newborn baby grow up.

Ian Pinches, of Frizington, found a lump on his neck in 2006 and has since been diagnosed with Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) which affects around 100 people each year in the UK.

Despite being told he was infertile because of his treatment, 35-year-old Ian has seen his 16-week-old baby Oliver being born. He is hoping a leading consultant at the Harley Street Clinic in London will allow him to spend more time with his young family. 

The £10,000 sum would give Ian the chance to look at and receive pioneering treatments that are not available on the NHS. The figure is the fundraising target recommended by Harley Street, but it is possible that the treatment could end up costing even more. 

“With Oliver, we have already been blessed with one miracle and this is what pushes you on and gives you hope" said Ian, of Lingley Fields. "We're willing to try anything now, however much of a long shot it may seem. We only get one chance at this and we're going to give it everything we've got."

This is the second time that Ian has battled cancer. After going into remission from Hodgkin lymphoma 2008, he was diagnosed with cancer again last year, this time with a more specialised diagnosis of NLPHL. He has now been told it is a lifelong condition and will require treatment for the rest of his life.

Ian is finishing NHS chemotherapy in March 2017 and is now exploring further options, including going abroad for treatment if it is necessary.

He met his wife Emma 16 months ago and the two have since married in a "whirlwind" romance that has been dictated by the disease.

The ex-serviceman, who was a gym fanatic and keen rugby player, has lost five stone, is in constant pain and is chronically fatigued because of the condition.

"There have been extreme highs and lows, but it all feels normal to me now," said Ian. "I am physically shaking with deep bone pain some days and I wake up sweating at night, but the worst part about it is that this is normality for me."

The former Liverpudlian is now supported by Emma and his two stepdaughters, Naomi, 14, and Lauren, 12.

"I want to be there to be that bossy step-dad who vets their boyfriends," said Ian. "I also want to watch Oliver grow up and play football with him, because he already enjoys watching the Liverpool games with me!"

Ian, who works as a debt recovery agent for United Utilities, is undergoing two years of maintenance chemotherapy and had further surgery two weeks ago.

Since launching the campaign, more than £1,500 has been raised.

"We've actually been overwhelmed by the support given to us and the media attention," said Ian. "I haven't cried for years, despite having cancer, but the other night I couldn't help it. They were happy tears because I didn't realise everyone was so generous and caring, it's taken us by surprise.

"Any donations, however small, will go a very long way towards giving me that second chance at seeing my young family grow up.”

There will be an event on October 17 at Whitehaven Rugby League Football Club featuring entertainment, an auction and a raffle. Doors open 7pm, tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for U16s. Email Emma on beatmycancersbutt@hotmail.com for more information and tickets.

This will be the first of many charity events in the coming weeks, months and years, Ian's health permitting.

“Ian's GoFundMe is very inspiring, and it’s amazing to see the support of his friends, family and community who have already rallied together. Ian is just one of thousands of campaign organisers across the UK who trust our platform to help them raise money for life-changing medical equipment,” said Kelsea Little, spokesperson at GoFundMe.com. 

GoFundMe.com , provides a platform for people to organise their own campaign to raise money for personal causes and life events and invites those in their community to support their fundraising.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/fm2m256g