Cancer fighting dad thanks fundraising friends.

YOUNG dad Andy Best is fighting cancer – but he wants to help those who have helped him during his battle.

The 24-year-old is today thanking family and friends who raised £1,200 to support a mobile chemotherapy unit which has made his suffering more bearable.

Andy's agony can be so intense he needs self-administered morphine.

But he wants to put a positive message out to everyone who visited a car boot sale in Frampton-on-Severn and raised vital cash for the Hope For Tomorrow mobile chemotherapy unit.

"The chemo bus is brilliant," said Andy, from Eastington, near Stroud. "Before that, I was going into hospital for maybe 15 hours but with the bus you are on and off it in about three hours.

"The staff there, and in hospital are brilliant. It sounds strange but I had a really good time there and that actually helps you."

Andy was diagnosed with cancer in March 2008 after complaining of stomach pain.

After a year's treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the former Rednock School pupil was given the all clear.

But in July this year the cancer returned.

His prognosis is not good and he is seriously ill, but he remains remarkably upbeat and positive, and his family say his attitude keeps them going.

"Now they have given me seven to eight months, which is a bit harsh but I will go on. I think I have got longer."

One thing which drives him on is his 18-month-old son Josh. Though he lives in London with his mum, Joanna Hunt, Andy sees plenty of him.

"He is a typical boy," said Andy. "He is full of energy and loves cars and trains."

The majority of his bowel has been cut off and he had precious little left. He has had a colostomy and ileostomy and is so worn out that he spends a lot of time in bed.

But that doesn't stop him making music, and it hasn't blunted his sense of humour.

He is determined to live life to the full and see as much of his son as he can.

He headed off for a holiday to his family's favourite spot in Cornwall on Saturday.

"I love it down there, it's like a second home," he said. "We are going to have a week and catch up on some Cornish pasties and cream and scones time."

Andy worked as a lifesaver at Stratford Park Leisure Centre before cancer struck.

His mum Faye Best, her partner Colin Niblett and his daughter Claire, his dad Tim Best and partner Trudie Flanagan, grandmother Jean Wathen, and sister Vikki, have all rallied round as have his friends.

They all want to do as much as they can, for him and the charities which have helped him.

"He is the most amazing person," said Vikki. "To go through what he has, I don't know how he's done it.

"Josh loves him, we all do."