A FATHER-of-two, described by his family as funny and caring, has lost his fight against bowel cancer, aged 31.

Battling Sam Taylor, who was known as Sambo by family and friends, had suffered from Crohn’s disease since he was a child.

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The condition, which affects the digestive system causing terrible pain, left Sam with an increased risk of developing bowel cancer, and the former Newfield All Stars under-sevens football coach received the devastating diagnosis two- and-a-half years ago.

But his sister, Wilma, said former Longshaw Junior School pupil Sam, of Silverdale Close in Blackburn’s Higher Croft, always maintained his dry sense of humour.

The 28-year-old mother-of-two said: “He always had a smile on his face even though he was weak all the time. We could not make plans for anything because we never knew what pain he might be in.

“There were times he would be in bed all day but he was kind-hearted and everybody loved him. His sons were his world.”

His mum, Sharon, 54, added: “He was never in any bother and he was a brilliant son.”

After being diagnosed with cancer, Sam, who leaves sons Finlay, seven, and Alfie, three, underwent numerous operations which included one to remove his bowel.

But in February, he started to feel unwell again and after tests, it was discovered the cancer had spread to his small bowel. After more surgery and a stay in the intensive care unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital, doctors found he also had a tumour in his stomach wall. The former Darwen Vale pupil then received the devastating news that his condition was terminal and he went into East Lancashire Hospice. Soon after, his stomach perforated and he died from septi- caemia on Wednesday.

His father, Sammy, praised the hospice staff and nurses at the hospital.

Sam, who had never been able to work because of his condition, was an avid Tottenham Hotspur fan and took lessons in how to become a jockey.

The family said Sam was very keen to raise awareness of his condition and all donations at his funeral, at Pleasington Cemetery on Wednesday at 1pm, will go to East Lancashire Hospice.