I foolishly have two rewards nights which will expire very soon and I can not possibly use them in time OR earn a new rewards night in time (in order to extend the expiration).

Does anyone know if I can do something like this below to essentially extend the expiry and thus not lose them ?

If I book a stay of 2 nights before the expiry date using my 2 reward nights for a date after the expiry date I know that my nights won't expire as they are booked to be used. This has been confirmed to me.

What happens though if I need to cancel that stay later (after the expiry date but within the specific booking cancellation period) because my plans have changed ? Do I lose the 2 reward nights or will they be returned to me renewed and refreshed with another 12 months to use them ??

Cheers.