WHEN Nathan Ward was asked by his mum what he wanted for his 22nd birthday, the answer was heartbreaking.

He just wanted to be free of cancer.

But sadly his wish was not granted and Nathan, from Locks Heath, lost his brave battle with the disease just three months later.

Now his close friends Jess McNally and her partner Becki Nash are keeping Nathan’s memory alive by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

And they hope others will join them.

Nathan, who Jess and Becki met through mutual friends, began suffering from headaches in 2010 and had just celebrated his 21st birthday when scans revealed the heartbreaking news he had three brain tumours.

 “At first it was thought they could be treated and doctors were talking of a 97 per cent chance of a cure,” said Jess, 22, also from Locks Heath.

“Nathan embarked on a course of radiotherapy and then chemotherapy when they realised one of his tumours was more aggressive.

“He began the chemotherapy in April 2011 and the following August he was declared cancer-free,” said Jess.

“He then had surgery to remove the remains of the tumour. But in September he took a turn for the worse.

He was vomiting and was rushed into hospital with numbness down one side.

When doctors fitted a shunt to remove fluids from his brain they found more cancer.”

It was news his family and friends had been dreading.

Nathan’s twenty-second birthday was approaching.

Jess added: “When asked what he wanted, he told his mum: ‘Just not to have cancer anymore’.”

Nathan bravely embarked on another course of highlyintensive chemotherapy but, sadly, it was not to work and Nathan died in January last year.

Losing his brave battle devastated his parents, Dawn and Colin, and close friends – including Jess – who were with him when he died.

“He fought with true bravery and never complained,” said Jess.

In Nathan’s honour Jess, a Police Community Support Officer in Fareham, and Becki, 23, who is studying for a doctorate in web science at Southampton University, were among the first to sign up to this year’s Race for Life.

Having taken part last year for the first time Jess said: “We signed up so quickly because we loved the atmosphere at Race for Life. It’s not about who finishes first, who walks, who jogs and who runs... it’s about how much is raised and how much fun people have participating!

“Please sign up and join us in the fight against cancer.

Nathan’s story shows that cancer can affect anyone at any age.

“To see someone so strong, so funny and so brave cut down by cancer is some thing we will never forget.

Nathan was a fighter until the end.”

Nathan’s mum, Dawn, said: “I think it is wonderful Jess and Becki are running in memory of Nathan.

“He had some fantastic friends and it is an honour and a privilege to know each and every one of them. I wish both the girls every success in the race.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in partnership with Tesco is a women-only series, which raises millions of pounds every year to help defeat cancer by funding research.

This year’s events are at the Garrison Ground and University of Winchester Stadium on Sunday, June 9 and at Southampton Common on Sunday, July 14.

 Rachel Northover, the events manager, said: “I hope Nathan’s story will move more ladies to enter.

“Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its groundbreaking research. There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all”.

  •  To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.