A terminally-ill man and his fiancée are in a race against time to plan their dream wedding.

Tragic cancer patient James Mottershead, 30, planned to marry his teenage sweetheart Letitia Bull in September.

But James, who has cancer, has now been told he doesn’t have long to live.

The couple, who live in Macclesfield with their four-year-old daughter Ruby, have brought their big day forward by six months.

James Mottershead with fiancee Letitia Bull and their daughter Ruby

James was diagnosed with testicular cancer on Valentine’s Day last year.

He had an operation to remove the tumour but tests a month later revealed the cancer had spread to his lungs.

James began an intense eight-month schedule of chemotherapy and in December had an operation to remove his right lung.

Since then he has found out the cancer has spread to his liver.

James, who lives on the Moss estate, said: “I am now on another course of chemo but that is not to kill the cancer, only to buy me more time. It could be a few months, or a few years. It’s an unknown. I’m determined to keep going for as long as possible. I’ve got plenty of fight left in me.”

James’s last hope of survival is his involvement in medical trials, but the chances are slim.

Since his diagnosis James has been backing the Check ‘Em Lads campaign.

He said: “The survival rate for testicular cancer is 97 per cent. I am that three per cent. I didn’t know anything about checking for testicular cancer. I wish I had so I wouldn’t be this position. I would encourage all lads out there to check regularly. You never know it could happen to you.”

James’s plight has inspired family and friends to make it a day they will never forget.

A fundraising event in February raised £3,000 and the couple have been given £2,500 by the Check ‘Em Lads charity.

Former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay heard about the appeal via social media and has donated £500.

The couple are also getting help planning the event from the charity Gift of a Wedding.

The big day for James and Letitia, who have been together for 11 years, will take place at St Michael’s Church on March 21 with a reception at the Tytherington Club.

James said: “I’ve always helped people out where I can, so its nice that they’ve responded in such an overwhelming way.

It’s going to be a much bigger event that we every dreamt of. This is just typical of the Macclesfield I know and love. We always come out to support each other in this town.”