“Devastated” friends and family have paid tribute to a devoted dad who would always 'light up the room' after he passed away following a one-year battle with cancer.

Matt Seymour, a McLaren engineer from Binfield, was diagnosed with cancer in June 2022 after months of pain caused by pancreatitis and jaundice.

Brother-in-law, James Longley spoke to the News describing the 36-year-old father, husband, and friend as ‘the kindest guy you could ever meet’.

Matt was first admitted to hospital when a nasty case of pancreatitis progressed to jaundice and liver failure leaving him in a life-threatening condition and endless pain.

After what his partner Jess described as a ‘heartbreaking’ amount of time, multiple failed stints, and endless periods away from his son Elijah, a cancer diagnosis was confirmed at Frimley Hospital.

Brother-in-law James said: “It’s been such a long journey for the family since Matt was diagnosed and it’s been full of ups and downs for Jess and Elijah.

“When he was first diagnosed with cancer we were in the position where we were celebrating because the doctors told us that it was completely treatable and had an almost 100per cent survival rate.”

Six months after starting a ‘traumatic’ treatment regime, Matt was deemed cancer free and ready to spend Christmas with his family.

“It was so special to be able to spend that time with him. Although he had lost a lot of weight we strongly believe that he was meant to have that Christmas with us.

“It was two weeks later after he collapsed that we were told that they found lesions on his brain which was a total shock because it normally only happens to a small percentage of people.”

In a tribute called “Wishing for better days” posted online, Jess said that his memory loss and behavioral disconnection were so heartbreaking, as the cancer returned.

According to James, Frimley Hospital and the Thames Hospice were amazing during the last few months of Matt's life.

The young couple, alongside their son Elijah, were married in the gardens at Frimley Hospital in a beautiful ceremony in May 2023.

The people that work in the cancer ward at both Frimley and at Thames Hospice have been described as ‘heroes’ by the family.

“We noticed a massive difference when he went into Thames Hospice in Bray. It’s a really amazing place and it’s an unbelievable place for someone like Matt.

“For someone who is 36 with family who wants to come and spend a lot of time with him, it was a very calm and lovely place to be.”

The family has set up a Go Fund Me page where thousands of pounds have already been raised to support Jess and Elijah for a rainy day.

“My sister and I lost our dad when we were two as well so we are very aware of the situation that he is in and we can draw very close parallels to the experience that he’s going to go through in his life, James explained.

“We’re trying to get a fund together to help support him in the future.”

If you wish to support Jess and Elijah following Matt’s death click here.