A 26-YEAR-old former soldier has died just months before he was due to marry his beloved fiancée.

Nicholas Blythe, who was planning to tie the knot in September, developed a mouth ulcer last summer but within a few short weeks he was told the devastating news he had mouth and throat cancer.

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After a brave battle and treatment, Mr Blythe, who worked in Blackburn, died at home last Monday surrounded by family.

Mum Christine, 58, who lives in Clayton-le-Moors, said: “His death has left a massive hole. He will never be forgotten and we will never get over it.”

Following the diagnosis the St Christopher’s High School, Accrington pupil had chemotherapy and was due to start radiotherapy the day after he died.

Mrs Blythe, chief officer at Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CVS, said: “He has fought incredibly hard and I am so proud of him. He was so brave and never complained.”

When he was 17 he joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an armourer.

Around two years ago Mr Blythe met his fiancée, care worker Kaleigh, 24, who he was due to marry this September.

Mr Blythe leaves mum Christine, dad Andrew, 61, and siblings Victoria, 31, and Simon, 23.

In December 2013 he was made redundant from the Army and returned to his parents’. Last March he moved to his own home in Padiham with Kaleigh and her two sons Rowan, six, and Kean, five.

His funeral is tomorrow at 3.40pm.

The family have requested donations for Macmillan Cancer or Pendleside Hospice.