Brave Machen dad defies cancer to see his girls wed and give birth (From Campaign Series)
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Brave Machen dad defies cancer to see his girls wed and give birth
9:20am Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News
By Chris Wood, Reporter
STAYING POSITIVE: With Adrian Gettins are family members, from left, Trish Evans, Katie Gettins and brother Anthony
AFTER being given “a couple of months” to live in October, a Machen man has defied doctors’ predictions to accompany one daughter down the aisle in December and see another give birth to twins last week.
Adrian Gettins, 58, is now “fighting to stay around”, determined to spend as much time as possible with his family, who have called him “amazing”.
Mr Gettins has been suffering from bowel cancer for six years, but it has now spread, and in July last year doctors told him it is terminal.
His daughter, Katie, 23, said: “There is nothing that can be done now. We are just trying to make the time left as nice as possible, we’re not thinking of any length.
“Doctors did say a couple of months in October, but he made it through Christmas to see my one sister get married and another have twins. He is fighting to stay around as there is so much to see.” Father of five Mr Gettins, of Royal Oak, escorted Trish, 26, down the aisle in his wheelchair when she got married on December 27.
He has also lived to see Dominique, 33, give birth to twins on February 4, with them being named Yasmina Maria and Zain Adrian.
Katie Gettins said this also gave him a huge boost, with her dad saying that he’ll be remembered and his name will live on.
St David’s Hospice Care has been looking after Mr Gettins, along with the family, with wife Janet, 60, and eldest daughter Gabrielle, 29, acting as carers.
It was after he saw a flyer for the Pontypool 10km run that he suggested his children take part in aid of the charity.
Katie, Trish and brother Anthony, 31, are now in training, with Katie adding: “Cancer has been a part of our family for over six years and it continues to be every second. We are now standing up to fight alongside our amazing dad.”
Inspired by their father’s spirit, they are determined to raise as much money as possible to show their support for him and St David’s. As well as the Pontypool 10km run on February 24, Anthony is doing the Newport Half Marathon on March 3 and they are planning to take part in the Abergavenny Three Peaks Challenge.
They have raised £510 so far and you can support them at www.justgiving.com/Trish-Evans
