A ‘WELL-LOVED’ and ‘full of life’ dad-of-three from Gawber who had terminal brain cancer has died.

Andrew Hirst was an otherwise fit and healthy man before his diagnosis, often completing the Barnsley Parkrun with his kids every weekend, rarely drinking and having never smoked.

In November 2024, he began to experience severe headaches and fatigue.

After his symptoms persisted, he rang 111 and within an hour was rushed to Kingsmill Hospital, in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

He was then diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most aggressive and most common type of cancer that originates in the brain.

Andrew made the difficult choice to undergo double-strength chemotherapy, in hopes to make more memories with his young family.

Andrew’s dad, David, drove over 16,000 miles for a leg of immunotherapy treatment in Germany, last December who admitted the memories of the trip would ‘last for a lifetime’ and he would ‘do it all again’ for his son.

In an MRI scan later in the month, Andrew received the devastating news that his tumour had doubled in size.

In January, a well-attended fundraising concert, at Wakefield Cathedral, saw over £2,000 raised which will go to Andrew’s wife, Rachael, alongside any remaining money from their original fundraiser, which surpassed £100,000 from over 3,800 donors.

David was moved to tears seeing the concert’s overwhelming turnout, which was attended mainly by people from Barnsley.

David described his son as ‘energetic, popular and well-loved’ with his legacy echoing throughout the community and beyond.

Andrew had always been passionate about helping each others, which shone through with his chosen vocation of teaching.

His career was also how he met and married Rachael, with the pair working in the same school.

Together, they welcomed their three children, Juliana, Freddie and Maximilian.

One of Andrew’s most rewarding recent memories was his Proud of Barnsley award which was accepted on his behalf by his dad and aunty.

The award took pride of place on his mantelpiece a lasting reminder of his fighting-spirit and legacy.

Andrew was due to receive another round of treatment in Germany, last month, but became too unwell to attend.

Andrew passed away on February 3, just shy of his 37th birthday, which would have taken place tomorrow.

Andrew’s family have been left disappointed by lack of NHS funding to fight brain cancer despite it being the biggest killer of children and adults under 40 across the nation.

David said: “We’re absolutely heartbroken.

“It’s sad for the family and his three young children who miss their daddy.

“He was a lovely, unique and helpful person who would do anything for anyone at the drop of a hat.

“I remember when he planned a surprise party for my 50th birthday.

“He went through my phone book and contacted a DJ and a professional photographer.

“I remembered thinking, ‘how has he found all of these people?’

“He paid for it all by himself too.

“He was such a unique and thoughtful person.

“Even though it didn’t work, his treatment gave him hope and another year.

A HEARTBREAKING message has revealed how Andrew Hirst fought to watch his young children grow up just a month before his death.

Andrew Hirst passed away on February 3, after a gruelling battle with terminal glioblastoma leaving behind his wife, Rachael, and their three young children, Juliana, Freddie and Maximilian.

In January, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band donated their talents to a show at Wakefield Cathedral in support of Andrew’s ongoing treatment.

The concert was well-attended by locals, showing the Design and Technoloy teacher’s profound impact on his community.

In the concert programme, Andrew shared the story of his life, diagnosis and his hopes to keep on fighting for more time with his family.

He said: “I can’t imagine not being there to watch my children grow up and pursue their dreams.

“To give Freddie his first driving lesson.

“To run another Parkrun with Juliana, let alone walk her down the aisle.

“To take Maximilian to his first day of school.”

Andrew’s untimely death has left a chasm in countless lives but the young dad’s legacy will be kept alive through his loving children and wife, whom he fought so fiercely to create enduring memories with.

“We will miss him so much.

“I’ll treasure the memories we had for the rest of my life.”