THE partner of a Brierfield father of five who died from cancer after refusing to see a doctor is urging others ‘not to leave it too late'.

Wendy Dolling, 32, of Arthur Street, Brierfield, lost her partner Ian Leyland to lung, brain and spine cancer on January 30 just six months after the disease was diagnosed.

Wendy said: “I am in no doubt that if Ian had seen a doctor sooner his illness could have been dealt with differently. He was a lovely person who was just afraid of hearing bad news.

“Anyone who is feeling unwell should seek help as soon as possible so they can get the best possible medical care. We have lost Ian but others may be able to learn from his mistakes.”

Ian, 42, was born in Middleton but had lived and worked in Blackpool before settling in Burnley with Wendy and his best friend Paul Moye.

The massive Manchester United fan began getting pains in his shoulder early last year but decided to ignore it.

Eventually when the pain got so bad, Ian, who is well known around Burnley for his love of karaoke at both the Victoria Inn and the Wheatsheaf Inn in Colne Road, visited his GP.

Wendy said: “When Ian finally visited the doctors they found that the cancer was advanced and that it had spread around his body. He was really brave but very stubborn. He will be sadly missed.

When he died the cancer was everywhere.”

Five months after being diagnosed Ian moved into Pendleside Hospice so he could receive the round the clock care.

Just days before his death he moved to The Grove Care Home, in Burnley to be closer to his beloved Wendy.

His funeral was held today at Burnley Crematorium.

As well as Wendy and Paul he leaves his five children who live in Manchester including Gemma, Donna and Dominic.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory is asked to give to the MacMillan Cancer Support or to Pendleside Hospice.