A LOVING dad and husband has been given just months to live following a heartbreaking cancer battle as his family raise more than £16,000 for charity.

Harrison Owens, a 29-year-old from Shoebury, is married to Jasmin Owens, 29, and is dad to daughter, Kennedy Owens, aged two.

Echo: Family - Harrison Owens with his wife Jasmin Owens daughter Kennedy OwensFamily - Harrison Owens with his wife Jasmin Owens daughter Kennedy Owens (Image: Newsquest)

He was first diagnosed with tongue cancer back in May 2022. 

After having half of his tongue removed, followed by intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, his scans appeared clear at the end of 2022.

However, as Harrison began to find his feet again, and started learning to talk and eat, he developed a lump and severe pain in his neck.

Further tests sadly revealed the cancer had spread into his neck, and subsequently his lungs.

Despite having several types of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the treatment did not work.

Harrison is now being cared for by the palliative care team at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London – and is “processing how to live the rest of his life with just months to live”.

Jasmin said: “This last year has been tough to say the least, but Harrison’s strength and determination has got us all through this.

“It is heartbreaking to see Harrison go through a horrendous time like this. He was a non-smoker, and rarely drank alcohol, so we never expected this to happen to such a fit young man.

“It just shows how cruel life is.

“As a family, we are trying to comprehend what the future looks like for our little girl and trying to capture some memories all together while we can.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t shed tears. It feels like we are living a nightmare.

“But Harrison makes us all proud every single day.”

Jasmin decided to set up a fundraiser to give back to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity for the support they have given the family.

She will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October to raise funds.

Her initial target was £350 but is already over the £16,000 mark.

She added: “Harrison has encouraged me to do this run, as we both feel it is important to raise awareness of this relatively unknown type of cancer.

“Tongue cancer is very treatable if found early.

“The support by friends, family, and strangers has been very overwhelming but it just shows how loved Harrison is.

“I am very nervous as I haven’t run this distance before, but all the donations and messages have given me a real boost.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jasminowens