Dad enjoying 'bonus days'

Matt Stuart and son Donnie Sefton. Photo: supplied
Matt Stuart and son Donnie Sefton. Photo: supplied

Dunedin father Matt Stuart admits "it's not easy'' knowing he is going to die, but he is taking every day as it comes, staying strong for his four-year-old son, Donnie.

The 31-year-old father is not focusing on the negatives, instead making the most of the time he has left at home with family and friends.

In February, Mr Stuart was diagnosed with liver cancer, which was found to have spread from his bowel.

Doctors told him almost immediately the cancer was terminal. They told him it was "aggressive'' and he had months to live, but he was not letting the news get him down.

"It's all about appreciating what you've got in life,'' Mr Stuart said.

"I'm trying to look at these as bonus days. There's always miracles that happen, so I'm not giving up.''

Donnie did not fully comprehend what was happening to his father and Mr Stuart said his own frame of mind had a "big bearing'' on how other people coped with his situation.

"He knows that Daddy's sick and has got a sore tummy,'' Mr Stuart said.

"When people come to visit me we don't dwell. We just have a laugh and a smile.''

A first round of chemotherapy did not stop the spread of the cancer and Mr Stuart turned down the chance at a second round, which doctors told him would only have a 5% to 10% chance of extending his life.

He preferred not to be feeling sick during the time he had left.

"I feel pretty good now [so] I'll try and enjoy each day,'' he said.

Donnie's mother Thea Sefton and her parents had "been amazing'' and very supportive, despite them not being a couple, Mr Sefton said.

The two had shared custody of Donnie.

Mr Stuart was a keen sportsman before his diagnosis and played rugby for the Southern Rugby Club.

After learning of his situation, friends Haley Duffy, Gretel McDonald and Stacey Fraser decided to try to make the rest Mr Stuart's life as enjoyable and easy as possible.

Fundraiser  

A fundraiser for him and Donnie would be held today at the Southern Rugby Club and included thousands of dollars worth of raffle and auction prizes, all donated by friends.

Mr Stuart said it meant a lot that his friends would "go out of their way'' for him and he was "humbled'' by news of the fundraiser.

Mrs Duffy encouraged members of the public to get along and support Mr Stuart and Donnie.

"Matt is probably one of the most genuine people I know. He is so caring. He's funny. He's just so sweet. It's the worst person it could happen to,'' she said.

A kids' corner, classic car rides, food and live music would be some of the entertainment provided from 1pm.

"To know that he's going to die, it's hard for us, so I can't imagine what it's like for him,'' Mrs Duffy said.

"We can't save his life but we can make sure he's comfortable.''

To donate: carlandhaley@xtra.co.nz

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