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A devastated woman watched her son die after his penis became infected - because he was too fat for life saving scans.

Paul Humphrey, 37, from Grimsby, Lincs, weighed 42 stone when he was diagnosed with penile cancer - a rare form of cancer that develops on the skin of the penis - last September.

But the cancer was delayed in being detected because Paul was too large to fit in a CT scanner, his mum claims.

His devastated mum, Linda, 58, watched in horror for two decades as his weight spiraled out of control after leaving school.

She had pleaded with him to lose the pounds but nothing worked until he was diagnosed with cancer of the penis.

Paul spent two years in pain with his genital area and despite asking for tests, Linda claims he was always told he was too heavy for the CT or MRI scanners.

But after his diagnosis, Paul lost 12 stone while being treated in hospital for cancer on his genitals.

Paul had his entire penis removed in a bid to save his life but it was too late - his cancer was already terminal.

Linda, who is currently awaiting a lower leg amputation herself, said goodbye to her son last Saturday before he passed away that evening.

(Image: Caters News Agency)

Linda said: "Paul had been suffering for two years before he was diagnosed with cancer in his penis.

"His penis would bleed for hours at a time but we were told he couldn't have any tests as he was too wide for the MRI and CT scanners.

"Paul was 42 stone before his diagnosis and with most adults not even being half his weight, it was no surprise that there was no specialist equipment suitable for him.

"But it was heart breaking to watch him suffer in pain for so long.

(Image: Caters News Agency)

"He was finally diagnosed with penile cancer last September and he stayed in hospital while undergoing treatment.

"Having his whole penis removed was awful for him, as it would be for most men.

"But he knew it needed to be done to save his life and rid him of the awful disease, he was so brave.

"Once it was removed he kept getting infections and eventually that's what killed him.

"Paul was ready to die by the end of it all, he'd cry out in agony when the nurses rolled him over to bathe him.

"Losing my son, who we called 'the gentle giant,' has been awful but I'm thankful he's no longer suffering and is finally at peace."

(Image: Caters News Agency)

Linda watched Paul's weight spiral out of control after he finished school and despite her best efforts, she couldn't stop him from eating.

She added: "Paul was working as a carer after he finished school and because of the long night shifts, he was eating 24/7.

"He'd eat burgers and chips for a midnight snack and as he was working, he had his own money to spend on what he liked, I had no control over his diet.

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"Paul was a happy kid before leaving school but after he was beaten up in a local park aged 12, his attitude changed and he turned to eating for comfort.

"He was such a loving, caring and kind son though, I'll never forget all of the happy memories we shared together."

Paul was diagnosed with penile cancer last September but surgery to remove his penis left him fighting a number of infections.

Linda said: "His penis had been removed but they'd left the stump open so it could heal but he caught an infection.

"But his body was already weak and he couldn't fight the infection off any longer.

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"Despite being warned a number of times previously that Paul was close to death, Paul actually died on Saturday evening.

"My partner, Norman Howe, has been my rock throughout this ordeal.

"We knew Paul was terminal last October but doctors didn't know how long he'd last, he battled it for eight months in total.

"He was ready to die and despite not getting his wish to die at home, we know it was peaceful for him."

Linda, who has an older son, David, 39, is due to undergo a lower leg amputation herself - something that is linked to her diabetes.

(Image: Caters News Agency)

She said: "During the past few months I've been in and out of hospital myself with my diabetes but I have managed to put off having my foot and lower leg removed until after Paul's funeral.

"We have no money at the moment for his funeral so Norman is doing a sponsored head shave.

"The last words Paul said to me were 'I love you mum,' and I'll remember those forever.

"For some people Paul will be remembered for his 42 stone frame but to me he's always be my gentle giant."

To donate to Paul's funeral visit: https://www.gofundme.com/the-humphrey-home-fund