Dad’s cancer fight inspires pair

TWO brothers who wowed the BGT audience last night have opened up about their dad’s battle with cancer.

Shaquille and Shameer Rayes said seeing Hilal, 45, face incurable bowel and liver cancer had inspired them to follow their dreams. Singer Shaquille, 20, who performed an original song inspired by his father’s illness, said: “I wanted to sing that song on the biggest stage to show my dad how proud I am of him.

“Since he was diagnosed we have grown up. We take life more seriously and invest more in university and our creative interests.

“We’ve realised how important life is.” Shameer, 19, who got a standing ovation for his dance performance, said: “Dad’s diagnoses gave me a kick up the bum and made me want to follow my dreams. I realised that through my sadness and heartbreak I can still bring people happiness.”

Former NHS employee Hilal, pictured with Shameer, left, and Shaquille, was diagnosed last July.

It has since spread to his liver and cannot be operated on.

Shaquille said: “The hardest thing is seeing our dad go through chemo. As a kid you never appreciate how strong your parents are.” Despite the Manchester brothers getting through the auditions, only Shameer made last night’s big semi-final cut.

Meanwhile, Manchester bomb survivor Hollie Booth has landed a place in the semi-finals.

The teen, from Sheffield, made it through as part of dance troupe Rise.