Family’s heartbreak as dad dies after enduring 150 rounds of gruelling chemo

The family of a ‘determined’ dad who lost his cancer battle after 150 rounds of gruelling chemotherapy have paid tribute to his resilience and courage.

Rob Colledge, from Ingleby Barwick, North Yorkshire first fell ill in September last year and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

In February, Rob was given the hopeful news that he was in remission. However, shortly before a scheduled bone marrow transfusion could take place, he was dealt another crushing blow the cancer had resurfaced, Teesside Live reports.

The only remaining options were two drugs, neither of which made any positive impact on his condition.

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Doctors at King's College Hospital in London had offered a glimmer of hope with new clinical trials, and despite his deteriorating health, Rob managed to set off for an appointment to determine his eligibility, accompanied by his girlfriend, Fiona McCall. Tragically, on the journey, only 45 minutes away from the hospital, Rob lost consciousness, prompting an urgent diversion to Whipps Cross Hospital.

There, he was placed on end-of-life care before being transferred to a hospice nearby.

His ex-wife Lucy Colledge, along with their daughters Layla and Lydie, made the heart-wrenching trip to London to bid farewell to Rob, who passed away just two days later on May 26 aged just 44.

Following his death, Lucy has paid tribute to his bravery. She said: "He was determined to fight for the kids. He fought, and fought and fought."

On the family’s final good-byes, she said: “The kids got to hear his voice and he knew they were there. I don't think anybody else could have put themselves through as much as he did."