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It often takes a momentous event to make someone really look at their life, and being diagnosed with terminal cancer is certainly one of those.

Four years ago Andy Millward was told he had prostate cancer and was given a life expectancy of just 18 months. His immediate thoughts were for his children and how he would protect their future. But once he'd sorted out all the legal stuff, he thought, "Right. Let's start living!"

I do

The first thing he did was propose to his partner Penny. Andy didn't look like a good catch on paper, with side effects from the cancer treatment including impotence, hair loss and even developing breasts. But love's a funny thing, and she didn't hesitate to say "yes".

Since then life has been a rollercoaster ride for the couple. They've visited the Taj Mahal, trekked in Peru and swam in the Great Barrier Reef.

Andy and Penny on their wedding day

When Andy, 55, from Sherwood, was first diagnosed he set himself some objectives, events he'd like to see.

"Jack, my son who's 17 now and in a rock band, I thought I'd never see his first gig. I've seen lots of those. Katie, my daughter, graduated two weeks ago. There she was in her gown at Leeds University. I made it. I never thought I would. I guess now I need a second set of things to achieve."

Mortality issues

Andy says he has adjusted to the fact that he is a man with cancer.

"In some ways you become a bit of a minor celebrity. People are so much nicer to you.

Andy's son Jack and the New Offenders

"The minor hiccups in life you don't bother about because you've got this wider canvas on which you're managing to look at things. In terms of a sense of being it's actually a very pleasant place to be."

Living in the present

Time is precious and Andy and Penny know it. Even though Penny freely admits that sometimes she'd rather just put her feet up and watch TV!

"It's about making the days count and not counting the days", says Penny, "but the cancer is always there snapping at our heels".

Helping others

Andy and Penny's attitude to cancer really is an inspiration, but they accept that everyone's experience of the disease is different and very personal.

That's why they also feel strongly about sharing their experiences and encouraging other people to share their experiences too.

To that end, both Andy and Penny have joined the Greater Nottingham Cancer Forum and regularly give talks about living with a terminal illness from both their perspectives. They are also actively raising funds for Maggies Nottingham which will support those diagnosed with cancer in the region. They want to help improve things for everyone whose lives are affected by cancer.