Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran Defying Cancer To Marry Sweetheart

A former soldier has been told by doctors he will not survive long enough to make it down the aisle with his fiancee.

However, Cai Davies, 34, is defying his cancer diagnosis and plans to marry his partner of 13 years on Easter Saturday.

Cai was diagnosed with a grade four brain tumour last year, after suffering with symptoms including seizures.

The Iraq and Afghanistan veteran was talking to his fiancee, Pamela Teehan, on a FaceTime call when he started dribbling from his mouth.

After seeking medical attention, Cai was diagnosed with an inoperable tumour, and was given just a year to live.

The former Welsh Guards soldier of 13 years, who has also served tours of Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, says he is proud of his time served around the world, and that his experiences have helped him cope with his current illness.

"The Army has helped me deal with my diagnosis as it taught me mental strength and determination when things seem at their worst and the chips are down.

"I am overwhelmed with the support I have received from the community - even from random strangers supporting me because I have served my country.

Cai has faced adversity in the past. During one tour of the Middle East, his Jackal vehicle was hit by an IED, and was airlifted back to Bastion and then the UK with a bleed on the brain.

He made a full recovery then and says it gives him optimism for his current battle.

Cai and Pamela have been engaged since 2013, and plan to marry in front of 150 people in Caerphilly, near their home in Bargoed, Gwent.

Their son Kristan, 10, will be a page boy at the ceremony, while the reception has been organised by Deri Rugby Football Club, who will hold an event nearby.

A JustGiving page has been set up with the aim of raising looking to raise £10,000 to help fund proton therapy treatment in the Czech Republic.

Proton therapy works by precisely targeting cancer cell, and is a fairly new form of cancer treatment.

"I am truly humbled by people wanting to get involved and help me."

If you wish to donate visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cure4cai