A FAMILY man has tragically died after losing his battle with cancer.

Father-of-seven Kevan Bennett, aged 42, died suddenly in hospital only weeks after finding out the cancer he had fought last year had returned.

His devastated childhood sweetheart, Julie Jones, whom he had been with for 27 years, said: "He was my first and only love and this has been a very difficult time for the whole family.

"I have found it very hard to look at pictures of him since he died. I loved him so much."

Mr Bennett grew up and went to school in Farnworth. He met his partner at Jigsaw, a youth club in Farnworth.

He worked as a car salesman and in his spare time he enjoyed going fishing with friends and spending time with his children and his partner.

Two years ago, Mr Bennett was shocked to discover he had bowel cancer. He had an operation and chemotherapy.

In January this year, doctors told him he was clear, but last month when he went for a check-up it was discovered that the cancer had returned in his bowel and liver. He started a second course of chemotherapy on Thursday June 7, but deteriorated over the weekend and tragically died from pneumonia at the Royal Bolton Hospital on Tuesday, June 12.

Miss Jones, aged 43, a health care assistant, of Firwood Avenue, Farnworth, said: "Over those last few days he really did suffer. He was in agony. It was awful to see him like that.

"He will be remembered as a great dad and loving partner and he had loads of mates.

"Every time we went out we would bump into someone he knew. He was the kind of person who people latched on to. Hundreds of people went to his funeral, he was very popular.

"He had time for everyone, but especially for me and the kids, and we won't forget that."

He leaves six daughters and one son - Tanya, aged 24, Natalie, aged 22, Kirsty, aged 20, Nikita, aged 18, Nicola, aged 13, Jordan, aged 12, and Chelsea, aged 11 - and a granddaughter, Nilani, aged two.