THE family of an Irvine dad who died of a brain tumour have paid tribute to the ‘inspirational fighter’ for the first time.

Brian Haggarty, known as ‘Brexy’, lost his fight for life in September after being struck down with aggressive brain cancer. He was 33.

The dad-of-one had first been diagnosed with a tumour in 2010 after suffering a number of seizures, but to his and his family’s relief, doctors discovered it was benign and told Brian they would be able to operate to remove it.

In September that year he underwent brain surgery followed by daily sessions of radiotherapy for six weeks to eliminate any remaining tumour cells.

Then, after three years in the clear Brian received shocking news - the tumour had returned but this time it had spread and it was incurable.

Despite the devastating blow, Brian decided to protect his parents Robert and Liz, brother Martin and most importantly his 11-year-old daughter Kerri, and didn’t tell them he was dying until his final days.

Speaking for the first time brother Martin said: “During the final days of Brian’s life, we learned that he knew from the start that he would not survive but chose not to tell his family or friends, to protect us.

“It speaks volumes for the strength he had to carry that on his shoulders while remaining positive throughout. This was typical of Brexy, always thinking about others.

“We are extremely proud of him.” Brian’s family have since created a memorial charity page in tribute to him, to raise money for other victims of brain cancer.

Martin added: “I decided to setup a memorial charity page as a tribute to my brother. He maintained throughout his illness that he would never give up and his bravery was inspirational. Not once did he complain about his condition or his treatment.

“He never wanted anyone to treat him differently. He never blamed the world or asked why me? I know I would. He simply got on with it.

"Brian's attitude from the start was remarkable if this disease wanted a fight, you could be sure it was going to get one.” Martin organised a memorial night for his brother in Irvine on Saturday, January 31 which raised £7,074 for charity.

The event was supported by the flute bands Irvine Newtown, Ardrossan Winton and Dalry Young Citizens along with the Irvine branch of the Apprentice Boys of Derry. Brian was a huge flute band enthusiast and played with the three bands throughout his life along with being a member of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

Martin is very appreciative of the efforts made by everyone who attended the event and the amount of money raised for The Brain Tumour Charity.

He said: “The Haggarty family would like to thank all involved for making the night a success and to local businesses for the kind donations of raffle prizes.

“It’s been less than five months since Brian passed away and his online page has raised over £12,000. Brian may be gone but it’s comforting to know that his spirit lives on, helping others battling brain cancer.” Four of Brian’s friends are also raising money for the charity in his name as they plan to cycle the West Highland Way and then climb Ben Nevis. Gregor Affleck, Craig Maclean, Gordon Maclean and Tom Adair are cycling the 100 mile distance of the West Highland Way over three days and then climbing Britain’s largest mountain on the final day in Fort William.

Gregor said: “After asking Martin and family if it was okay to do it in his memory, we couldn’t have thought of a better cause.” The fundraiser, which begins on April 23, set a target of £1,000 to raise and with more than two months left until the trek, the target has already been met with £1,010 raised so far.

You can donate in Brian’s memory to The Brain Tumour Charity by visiting http://brexy.muchloved.com/