Glenn Nilson’s heartbreaking last hurrah as he loses his battle against lung cancer

A Brisbane father, who became a PT after an incredible 60kg weight loss transformation, has revealed the beautiful final weeks he has planned with his family before he succumbs to terminal lung cancer.

Glenn Nisson with his family. Picture: Supplied

The prayer ‘Footprints in the Sand’ resonates with Tingalpa resident Glenn Nilson, 35, who received the tragic news at the Princess Alexandra Hospital on Thursday he only has weeks to live from lung cancer.

The two chemotherapy tablets he takes each day are no longer effective for a disease which has spread to his liver, lymph nodes and bones.

Glenn — who became a PT after undergoing an incredible 60kg weight loss transformation — was told to make memories with his family and has chosen to live out his last days on the Gold Coast, with the sand between his toes.

“I am devastated about leaving my loving wife and carer Rachael behind and three amazing sons 18, 14 and seven,” he said.

“I want to walk on the sand, let the water calm me, watch the kids play in the surf and also soak up the saltwater air with my mum, two sisters and brother too.

Glenn Nilson will spend his final weeks enjoying the Gold Coast with his family. Picture: Supplied

“I grew up going to Tugun so this will be the last family vacation.”

When asked how it feels to face death, the dad says “nobody really knows what’s in front of them — but there’s gold in the little things in life”.

“I’ve been upfront with my kids and told them to cherish every moment you have with each other, tell each other you love one another, be kind to each other and don’t waste time it’s precious.

“My eldest has autism, the middle attention-deficit disorder and it’s been very hard for them to comprehend it all.

“I feel so scared.”

A GoFundMe page was setup by his brother to help them afford the last family vacation having raised $2245 of a $50,000 target.

The fundraiser will also help cover transport costs to medical appointments and to palliative care.

“I want to get my wife a reliable car and something she feels comfortable driving in,” he said.

The couple lived a true love story, going out when they were 16. They were married by 20.

Glenn with his Rachael. Picture: Supplied

When asked to describe her husband Rachael said “he’s the most loving person and is always the first person to put up his hand to help anyone in need.”

“We haven’t had an easy life but a fun life and he’s touched so many peoples’ heart.

“I will be with him to the end now I’m not leaving his side.”

The qualified personal trainer reflected on his life with pride saying he built up a strong clientele at his business New ME Fitness drawing on his first-hand experiences to inspire them.

“Health has always been important to me but unfortunately I smoked,” Glenn said.

“I could never get rid of the weight until I sparked my motivation to get out of the house, move and workout at the gym.

“Then I lost weight – I was 160kg but now I weigh about 100 kilos by offering group and one-on-one training sessions.”

Glenn said he has also worked in a variety of trades since he was a teenager.

“I detailed cars to earn pocket money but we were never well off,” he said.

“I was a panel beater and completed my apprenticeship at Lipke Motors plus I used to drive tow tracks.”