A life-long Oldham Athletic fan from Ramsbottom is hoping to benefit from the generosity of his fellow Latics' supporters as he looks to raise money to help him battle incurable cancer.

Michael Sixsmith, 62, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and is now trying to raise funds for treatment which will prolong his life.

The Latics fan, who has three children including his 11-year-old son Malachy, will be at Oldham's home game against Gateshead on Monday (August 26) as he looks to other supporters for help.

To donate to Michael's GoFundMe page, visit www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-micheal-and-his-family

Michael, who describes himself as a "very positive and upbeat" man, was diagnosed with an eye melanoma in October last year and was admitted into hospital for radiation plaque therapy.

After a biopsy, Michael was told the tumour was non-aggressive but he would need to have liver scans every six months as there was a possibility the melanoma could spread to his liver.

Michael, right, with his wife Kyla and son MalachyMichael, right, with his wife Kyla and son Malachy (Image: Michael Sixsmith)

Michael had his first scan back in May and unfortunately was told it "wasn't good" and that it was very serious, with several tumours already there.

He said: "It's very hard to take it - even though I'm 62 I act like a 45-year-old.

"I'm doing everything I can to stay here."

 

Without treatment, Michael was told he would have 12 months to live as it is incurable.

He was told NHS treatment would only give him a 15 per cent chance of a positive reaction to the treatment, but there is a private treatment which would have a 70 per cent chance of a positive impact.

Michael's son Malachy will be helping to raise funds at Boundary Park on MondayMichael's son Malachy will be helping to raise funds at Boundary Park on Monday (Image: Michael Sixsmith)

However, the treatment, Delcath, comes at a very expensive cost of at least £50,000, which has led Michael and his family to try and raise money.

Michael lives in Ramsbottom but is a die-hard Latics fan because of his father, who lived in Failsworth.

After 32 years working as a baker, Michael now serves as an entertainer alongside his wife Kyla, with the pair DJing for children's discos and entertaining care home residents.

Michael and Kyla entertain care home residents for workMichael and Kyla entertain care home residents for work (Image: Michael Sixsmith)

Michael said: "From the moment I met Kyla, I have felt like the luckiest man in the world, so no liver cancer is going to take that away from me or my family."

Michael will be starting his first round of the treatment next month and is continuing to try and raise the £50,000 he needs, having nearly hit halfway so far.