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More on KentOnline
Popular teacher Luke Williams who has terminal cancer will fulfill his most important vow today - marrying fiancee Linda Birzniece.
The couple get married at Smiths Court Hotel, Cliftonville, this afternoon, achieving one more thing on Luke's bucket list as he makes the most of his last months.
The Hartsdown Academy IT teacher was diagnosed with mouth cancer last year and underwent radical surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
But Luke, 29, developed secondary cancer in his lungs, which doctors said was terminal in May and that he had only six months to live.
Since then he vowed to live life to the full, working through a list of dreams, experiences and achievements, which has included raising an amazing £21,511 in support the Pilgrims Hospice and Cancer Research UK.
Liam Morris, 29, Luke’s close friend and fellow coach at East Kent College Football Club, consulted fundraisers for Stephen Sutton, the Staffordshire teenager who raised £3.2m for the Teenage Cancer Trust before he died of the disease in May.
“It’s not a surprise we’ve raised so much already,” said Liam.
“Luke is a great character, so many people love him and he’s got the best outlook on life of anyone I know.
“I’m trying to find out how we can raise more money as Luke really wants to support the Pilgrims Hospice.”
Brave Luke of Westfield Road, Margate, was diagnosed with mouth cancer on the day of his 28th birthday on June 18 last year.
He had to have his tongue partially removed but recovered from the disease after chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, even going back to work at Hartsdown in January.
Sadly the IT teacher, a former Hartsdown pupil, went on to develop secondary cancer in both lungs, which doctors told him was terminal in May.
He has decided to stop the aggressive cancer treatment and is now having palliative care and help for pain relief so that he can enjoy his remaining days.
Luke said: “The support that has been given to me and my family by the Pilgrims Hospice in Margate is unbelievable.
"They are unsung heroes and I want to raise as much money for them as possible.”
When he learned that his cancer was terminal, Luke said: “After I was told I had six months to live and it had sunk in, I just accepted it. I was at peace with it and decided I would enjoy the life I had left.”
Luke and Linda completed a train trip to Europe last month.
Funds raised will also go the Cancer Research UK, as well as towards helping Luke complete the rest of his bucket list.
Luke’s bucket list is:
To donate for Luke, click here. There are also plans for a weekend of fundraising activities for Luke. For details, click here.
A five-a-side tournament is taking place on Sunday, August 17 at Margate and teams are needed. For details, phone Albert Finigan on 07973 909107.
