A FATHER-of-five has spoken of his devastation after being told he has less than two years to live.

Blackburn Rovers fan Kirk Bullen, 34, has been diagnosed with full intestinal failure which means he is in constant pain.

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But despite this he is bravely ensuring all the time he now has with his wife and children is the best it can be to create as many good memories as possible.

And he is also thinking of others by raising money for East Lancashire Hospice, which has been caring for him and helping his family deal with his diagnose.

Mr Bullen, from Mill Hill, who was a well-known DJ in Blackburn, spent Christmas away from his children in Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.

After a tough few months he and his wife Sarah decided to renew their wedding vows two weeks before he was given the heartbreaking news that he only had two years left.

The former labourer said: “At Christmas I was given a bit of hope, but when I went to Sheffield Hospital in March the doctor put the cards on the table. It was horrible to hear. It was heart-breaking. When he said in his opinion it was two years maximum it did not sink in at first.

“I am in pain constantly. I can only think of the pain. It affects every part of my body. There are no words to describe it.

“I have gone from being fit and healthy and able to play football to doing nothing. I’m living a life like a 90-year-old and there is nothing anyone can do.

“I don’t think I have got my head around my diagnose yet because I am dealing with the pain 24 hours a day.”

Mr Bullen, who has three daughters and two sons, said the news had shaken him as a father and husband.

He said: “Obviously it is heart-wrenching.

“It is upsetting knowing that I will miss out on things with my children, from parents evenings, to walking my girls down the aisle and knowing my wife, children and family will have to deal with one of the most difficult things imaginable.

“My main concern is my kids. The hospice has said we should make as many memories as possible which is why I want to do a balloon ride to raise money for the hospice. It is something I have always wanted to do.

“The hospice has been unbelievable from helping organise what lies ahead, to preparing for the worst, and putting things in order for when the inevitable sadly happens.

“I know there will be a point where my kids will lose their dad and my wife will lose her husband.

“I want to create as many memories as possible for my family, and want to concentrate on that, as well as trying fight this illness, which is proving very difficult. I want to make my children and family proud.”

Mr Bullen added that his wife Sarah had been an ‘absolute rock’.

He added: She has been keeping things together for me, as well as the kids, and kept a brave face.

“We have also had some amazing support, from family and friends. My mother Janet Davlin and my sister Natasha Bullen, and my mother-in-law Rosemary Cocker, have been absolutely amazing with me, and I don’t know how I would have got through the last few months without them and Sarah.”

Friends and family members will take part in the balloon ride which has raised £1,400 so far.

An event was also held at the weekend at the Clifton pub to help raise money. Some will be used for a special Christmas day, as Mr Bullen was in hospital last year and was unable to celebrate. Some of the money will also go towards his funeral.

Friends and family, including Sarah, also took part in a bed push on Saturday.

Mr Bullen, who has helped raised thousands of pounds for charity over the past 10 years and set up a anti-violence charity after his uncle was attacked in Blackburn a few years ago, praised the hospice for the level of care they are giving him as well as the support offered to his wife and children.

“I have absolutely no words for what the hospice do and I have seen this first hand. From the nurses, to the doctors, counsellors, complimentary therapy, to the fundraising department.

“The level of care, dignity, support that the hospice has given me - I am forever grateful.”

Mr Bullen, who was a season ticket holder at Blackburn Rovers, said he has been unable to go to the games because of his condition.

“I am hoping my pain relief can be eased and I can maybe go to a game again, which would be great,” he added.

The balloon ride will take place on September 17 at Crook O Lune over Lancaster. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sarah-and-Kirk-Bullen.