EDIT: This fundraising campaign has now ended and the page closed.

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Fundraising has been set up for a Cornish professional photographer given a devastating terminal diagnosis last month, to support him through the time he has left.

At the start of October Steven was a successful photographer across Cornwall, with a long career ahead of him.

That all changed on October 10 when, at the age of just 38, Steven was given the news that he had Motor Neurone Disease, a rapidly progressing neurological disease that attacks the nerves that control movement so that muscles no longer work, and is incurable.

This has caused him to give up professional photography with immediate effect.

Announcing the news on Facebook last month, Steven said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I have to retire from photography. Yesterday I was given some health news which has shocked my world. I want to spend the little amount of time I have left with friends and family.

“I will be working hard to make sure everyone has a replacement photographer, so please don’t panic. I will be editing everyone’s photos too, but please allow a bit more time.

“Thank you to all the amazing humans I’ve met in my photography journey. I wish you all long and happy lives. I’m so thankful I had the chance to capture images which will live on longer than me.”

Now two of his friends have set up a Go Fund Me page with a goal of raising £10,000 to help the family with rent and other bills.

They said: “Not only is [the disease] incurable, but the weaknesses that have already been ravaging Steven's body have meant that he is unable to continue his beloved job as a wedding photographer.

“As a result, we are trying to raise funds for Steven and his family to hopefully ease some of the financial burdens and help them make some precious memories in the time he has left.

“Steven didn't have life insurance which unfortunately means he hasn't had a payout on diagnosis to help him.

“The funds that he can apply for don't cover the cost of rent or bills, he's also now taking lots of recommended costly supplements to help slow down the progression of the disease to give him the best possible quality of life.”

Steven said: “It fills me with absolute embarrassment and shame to have to do this, but stopping work has put myself and my family in a very dire situation financially. Not only are we having to cope with my terminal illness, but now we are wondering how we are going to pay rent.

“Someone has kindly set up a Go Fund Me for us. I’ve not yet been able to look at it as it upsets me too much, but I can’t keep putting my family through the stress of financial issues.

“Please don’t feel forced to donate. Everyone is struggling with the cost of living at the moment. But if you are able, me and my family would be forever grateful as it would take off so much extra stress and worry we are already dealing with.

“I appreciate all the wonderful messages and comments of love and support. Thank you so much. This is truly a very scary nightmare.”

This article has been edited following the closure of the fundraising page.