Johnny Bliss, who has raised thousands of pounds for charity, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March.
But the 58-year-old has defied the medics and five months on is celebrating some special family news.
Johnny's son Wesley, 31, has told his terminally ill dad he is set to become a grandfather.
Johnny said: "They told me on my birthday so it was a double celebration. I was over the moon. It's fantastic news."

Despite his devastating cancer diagnosis, Johnny has been given a better quality of life and is in less pain thanks to sessions of chemotherapy at his Lambton home.

He is also more determined that ever to boost the £14,000 he has raised in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Speaking about the support he has received for his charity work, he said: "I've been really touched by the support. It's been amazing, I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone."

In addition to coming fund-raising events, Johnny and 40 of his friends and members of his family are looking forward to a week-long holiday in the Canary Islands – a break booked by the group a year ago without knowing what lay ahead.

He said: "I'm feeling well at the moment and I'm looking forward to spending time with the family on holiday."

Although Johnny is grandfather to Talia, eight, and Freya, three, who are the children of his wife Sheila's son John Kerry, 34, his own son Wesley is due to become a father in January.

Sheila, 55, who has returned to her job as a customer services representative at Newcastle Airport for a few hours a week, says the holiday is planned for October and will be a chance for the family to spend quality time together.

Once his schedule of chemotherapy sessions has finished, Johnny will return to hospital for a scan so doctors can assess his condition.

The family has also found strength and friendship through footballing legend Sir Bobby, who is fighting his own cancer battle for the fifth time.

Sheila said: "We've met him lots of times and we've been to dinner and lunch and it's something that's keeping Johnny going."

Johnny, a talented singer who has fulfilled his dream to record an album, is also recording a video diary about his illness and work for a television documentary.

He and others are a planning the next entertainment night, which is being put on by his fellow members of the Showmen's Guild and have helped in many of the successful efforts so far.

The event will be hosted at Houghton Buffs on September 29 to tie in with Houghton Feast celebrations, with the cash raised going to the foundation.

Pride of Wearside

JOHNNY'S inspirational fund-raising efforts have also earned him a Pride of Wearside Award nomination.

Wife Sheila has put him forward for the Fund-raiser of the Year category to give the dad the recognition he so richly deserves.

She said: "Johnny knows his time is limited but is determined to continue with his quest. He has asked myself, family and friends to promise to hold a charity event every year to bring in money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation."

She added: "Johnny has shown such courage and determination in arranging to help others, I believe this, along with a positive mind, has kept him going for so much longer than was expected."