An inspirational young DJ who blogged about his struggle with cancer has died from the disease.

Paul Nicholls, 27, was diagnosed with bowel cancer at Christmas and given only six months to live.

As a way to cope with his illness he began an online diary that drew more than 30,000 views from around the world.

The Evening Times printed extracts from Paul’s brave blog Music Is Disease on August 18 – just two weeks ago.

Speaking then from his home in Charing Cross, the DJ vowed to fight on, saying he felt fitter and more confident than ever.

But Paul died on Sunday night shortly before midnight in Glasgow’s Marie Curie Hospice.

Last night his Facebook page was flooded with tributes from shocked friends. Shakakan Mbisa wrote: “Knew you were special from the moment you strutted into my bar eight years ago.

“So glad we created such wonderful memories! You handled this past year with a strength I’ve envied and poured your heart out without looking for pity or praise...My God, you’ll be missed.”

David Gallagher said: “For now I’ll miss you mister but I know we will meet again some day... RIP to a wonderful friend an absolute character and one awesome DJ.”

And Gary Cassidy added: “Your short battle with cancer was executed with such grace, and you never once lost that energy that everyone knew and loved you for.

“In the few years I’ve known you I don’t think I have ever laughed or danced so much; it’s been such pleasure having you in my life.”

Paul’s last blog post at www.musicisdisease.blogspot.com was written on August 3 and talked about a trip to London where he had been living when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Paul, originally from Stepps, had come home to Glasgow to celebrate Christmas with his mum and sister.

He developed severe stomach cramps but insisted on making the train journey back to London for New Year.

When the train pulled in to Euston station he collapsed and was taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed bowel cancer.

A total of 97% of people with bowel cancer are over the age of 50, while Paul was 26 at the time of his diagnosis.

Doctors said he had the tumour for around five years but had showed no symptoms.

Despite chemotherapy and drug treatments, the illness was terminal and Paul was given a prognosis of six months.

He had short stays in the Marie Curie hospice at Stobhill and said he was impressed by the staff and facilities there and knew it was the place he would end his days.

Speaking to the Evening Times shortly before his death, Paul said he lived his life as fully as he could and had few regrets.

He also talked of his love for his big sister Claire, 33, and his partner Chris. He said: “I guess I have accepted that I am dying as I don’t think about it a lot.

“The things I am scared of are that I will never get to see my sister married or have a child as that’s all I want from her, to know that she will have the love she needs to continue.

“We are so close so I would like to know she wouldn’t be without happiness for long. I also worry about my partner Chris and how he will cope and who is going to look after him.

“He is my world. I just basically worry about the hurt and distress my death is going to cause rather than the act itself.

“But, as I said, I don’t think about it a lot as it really doesn’t come up a lot which is strange, I guess.”

Paul said he asked his doctors how his life would end, saying he hoped to explode in a shower of purple glitter. And he wanted his bright personality to shine through to the very end, adding he would like his memorial service to be a FUN-eral.

Paul said: “I have thought a lot about my death and my funeral and how I want it to be.

“I want to leave the blog behind for my friends and family to remember me by and I want my funeral to be a FUN-eral.

“I want my favourite music played and everyone dressed in bright colours. I want them to remember me and have a good time.”

• Paul’s funeral is to be held tomorrow at St Simon’s Church in Partick Bridge Street at 1.30pm before a celebration party at 5pm in Bar Bloc, Bath Street.

I can’t tell you how scared I am right now...

In the months leading up to his death, Paul kept a diary detailing his life with cancer. Here, we share some poignant extracts from the last two months of his blog.

Wednesday, June 16

I can’t tell you how scared I am right now. I had a meeting with my professor on Monday. I asked him questions about what I will go through at the end, if I will suffer, if I will be in pain. These things have been on my mind a lot. He said it won’t be dramatic (shame) and very peaceful. I will gradually fade out.

Wednesday, June 30

So I guess all in all I am making an improvement. I am feeling good within myself now too, whereas before I was starting to hate being alive as felt like I was suffering too much.

Friday, July 16

I have just realised that I am three months into what was basically a six-month life sentence. Apparently in three months, I go up in a big explosion of purple glitter, and enter the next plane. Well, I am getting better and stronger and there’s no way I’ll be gone for a long time.

Thursday, July 22

So I am lying wide awake in this bed at the hospice. I am hoping I am going to be fit enough for my trip to London on Tuesday. I really need this trip, been looking forward to it as it will be nice to see old faces. I just need to see my old life.

Tuesday, August 3

As you may well have known I was off to London for a visit for a few days. To think I almost didn’t make it down, but I managed to regain my composure as always and it was the most wonderful trip I have had especially after being locked away for such a long time.