A devastated family are desperately racing against time to create lasting memories with their mum after agonising back pain thought to be kidney stones turned out to be terminal cancer.
Sharon Irvine's world was shattered after she sought medical help for crippling pain in her lower back - and was told the symptoms would eventually pass.
But just two weeks later, the 57-year-old was rushed to A&E in agony and scans revealed stage four lung cancer that had already spread throughout her body, invading her bones, liver and adrenal gland.
As her condition deteriorates, the much-loved Drumoyne mum-of-two has become the centre of an emotional family effort to fulfil her final wishes, which includes seeing her daughter Natasha walk down the aisle.
Natasha, 38, and her partner Stephen McGrath are urgently planning their wedding, fearing they may only have a short window of time.
Speaking exclusively to the Glasgow Times, Stephen described the crushing impact the shock diagnosis has had on the family.
He said: "Apart from some pain in her lower back, Sharon had no symptoms at all. She was initially told it was kidney stones and that they would pass on their own.
"It wasn't until she went to A&E in absolute agony that a scan found a tumour. That led to a nine-week stay in hospital while we waited for more tests.
"We were completely devastated when we were told not only that it was cancer, but just how aggressive and far gone it was. We never expected anything like this, It's unbelievably cruel.
"Now our focus is making every second we have left as a family count."
Determined to give Sharon something to look forward to, the family began making urgent arrangements for Natasha's and Stephen’s wedding.
Stephen added: "We know how much it means to Sharon to see her daughter get married. At the moment we don't know whether the wedding will need to take place in hospital or at home.
"We're trying to speed up the paperwork so we can move things along as quickly as possible. The only thing that matters is that Sharon is there, surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren and the rest of her family."
They suffered another heartbreaking setback after arranging a special retreat in Luss so that Sharon could spend precious time with her grandchildren, twins Reagan and Stephen, 19, and two-year-old Remi.
But just days before the trip, Sharon began experiencing problems with her mobility.
Further scans delivered another crushing blow, revealing the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain. Doctors have since told the family the disease is too advanced and aggressive for any treatment to be effective.
Stephen said: "Every scan has brought more bad news. It feels like every time we try to hold on to some hope, we are dealt another hammer blow.
"Sharon has been incredibly brave throughout all of this. She's fighting to stay with her family every single day.
"We all hoped for more time, but lung cancer is often discovered far too late. Right now we're taking things day by day and making sure she gets to do everything she wants to while she's still able."
Friends, family and members of the community have rallied round by donating more than £5,000 to an online fundraising drive aimed at helping Sharon fund her dying wishes.
Stephen said: "She means the world to so many people. Family has always been everything to her.
"What matters most now is creating memories that will last forever. Overnight stays, family days out, little trips away and as many special moments together as we can.
"Any money left over will help towards funeral costs and ease some of the financial pressure facing the family in the months ahead.”
He added: "We have been overwhelmed by the kindness people have shown. We can't thank them enough for the support, generosity and comfort they have given us during the most difficult time of our lives."
Click here to donate.
