Dad 'fought for his kids' as he endured 150 chemo rounds before dying of cancer

A family have told how a courageous dad "fought for his kids" after going through 150 rounds of chemotherapy before sadly dying of cancer.

Rob Colledge, from Ingleby Barwick, North Yorkshire first fell ill in September last year and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He was told that even if treatment was successful there was a 60% chance of the cancer returning. In February, Rob was given the hopeful news that he was in remission but shortly before a scheduled bone marrow transfusion could take place, he was dealt another crushing blow the cancer had resurfaced.

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

Rob with his girlfriend Fiona McCall and his daughters Layla and Lydie

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, 13, and Lydie, 10, went to London to bid farewell to Rob, who passed away just two days later on May 26 aged just 44.

The family have now spoken of the father's resilience and courage as he faced his battle with cancer. Lucy told TeessideLive: "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." She said he courageously underwent all treatment offered, including 150 rounds of chemotherapy. "He was determined to fight for the kids. He fought, and fought and fought," she continued.

Rob, who worked in renewable energy and was originally from the Birmingham area, had lived on Teesside for more than 20 years and Lucy said he was hugely popular, with friends being very supportive. A funeral service for Rob will be held on June 17, at the Maplewood Chapel in Stockton Crematorium, with a subsequent burial at Thornaby Cemetery.