Dean Wharmby dies after battle with liver cancer

Dean Wharmby and Charlotte Rigby

Dean Wharmby, 39, from Rochdale, has died following his battle with liver cancer.

Dean, a father of one, was diagnosed with the disease in November 2014 after a large tumour was found on his liver. Following the diagnosis, Dean was told he had weeks to live.

He died at Springhill Hospice on Sunday (19 July) with partner Charlotte Rigby by his side.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Charlotte said: “He was a very spiritual person and he had this really strong belief that he had a mission to complete. He always said that he was never scared of dying because he knew that there was more and he always believed in angels and crystals and things.

“He was so laid back and always helped people. He would spend hours playing with Scarlett [his daughter] and time would just stop for him. They would play for hours.

“Scarlett has been so strong. Dean taught her about crystals and angels and gave her something magical to believe in. I listened to her tell her friends that her daddy is an angel now and she said ‘all you have to do is look up there. He is made of light now, that’s why it is so sunny.’ She has crystals that she believes protect her – it is really beautiful to see that even a five-year-old has been inspired by Dean and carries his beliefs.”

Dean attracted almost 11,000 followers on Facebook, where, through his page ‘Dean’s Journey,’ he shared his experience of the illness from his diagnosis to the pain he went through.

He would use social media to upload videos detailing his positivity through the experience and posted about his unique approach to fighting the disease by using natural medicine, taking vitamins and adopting a strict diet which involved cutting out meat and sugar.

Following his death, tributes have poured in for Dean, who before falling ill was a bodybuilder for 20 years.

Leanne McQue said: “My heart is absolutely broken with the loss of such a beautiful soul.”

Suzana Janusko said: “I never knew anyone so strong and so determined to beat the horrible illness such as cancer. Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Fly free super warrior.”

Yvette Howarth said: “You've helped so many people, thank you for being part of my journey. You made a huge impact on my life."

An appeal has been launched to pay for a fitting funeral for Dean. Anyone who wishes to contribute can do so via:

deansjourney@hotmail.com