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Terry Dignam 04 April 1942 - 20 June 2010

I have finally decided to do something good for the amazing charity that provided the most wonderful care to both my Dad (Terry Dignam) and my dear Nanna (Hazel Cresswell) who were unfortunately taken from us by Cancer.

The walk will be a challenge, and its not for the faint hearted,however it is a small challenge compared to the challenges the hospice staff face on a day to day basis, giving vital care and support to both patients and their families.

My Dad was the most amazing man in my life who I not only respected and confided in on many of my life experiences. He never judged anyone and always gave me the reassurances that I wanted to hear. One of his favourite sayings was "You do right" I wasnt ever really sure that my decisions were the right ones, but I also understand he wanted me to make the right decisions myself.  Thats Life!!!

He loved Manchester United and the Busby babes.  He didnt like to watch any games but he enjoyed me ringing him with the score updates. Even if they were winning comfortably he couldn't watch for fear of them losing! Thankfully this wasnt often. This is only one of many precious memories I have of my dad. 

Unfortunately I couldn't see my dad as often as I would have liked, as I  left home  at 17 and I have never lived close to home and been able to pop round for a chat, but he was always on the end of the phone if I needed him.

My dad was born in Bradford but loved living in Morecambe and especially enjoyed the views from his window looking at the sea. He loved his cars and loved taking mum to Cleveleys, Blackpool. He didn't like the motorways, which is the reason why I want to walk the route he enjoyed to take.

Like all Dads he loved all of his family and was a massive part of all our lives. He lived through much pain and mobility problems for many years but never ever felt sorry for himself instead he would always say to us "There is someone somewhere worse off than me". 

When the time came for Dad to play with the angels he had been granted his wish to do so from home with mum. It was extremely sad for all the family who nursed him for days until ironically Father's Day arrived I opened his Manchester United card which played the tune "Glory Glory Man Utd" which Dad responded to with a smile and then some hours later Dad managed to say his final words whilst we were all by his bedside " I Love You" Quiet tears flowed from all of us so as not to distress him then at 0530 on Sunday 20 June 2010 dad became our "Angel".

The bravest man I have ever known is now at peace, and is missed by so many, too many to mention but he will never be forgotten.

 

Hazel Cresswell 25 May 1923 - 29 April 2006

Where do I start with my wonderful Nan? Well she was the most beautiful lady with every attribute we all want our loved ones to have.

Nan was the most loving, caring and gracious woman I have ever known, when I was growing up as a small child she was in my life daily, smart always there when I was sad and there for many happy events we had in the family.

Nanna loved everyone and everyone in our community loved her too, she had eight children and many grandchildren as well as great grandchildren. we were all loved the same no matter how near or far we were from her.

I remember one very happy occasion having my Nan to stay with me whilst I lived in Germany, we took her on a holiday to Switzerland and Austria which she thought was brilliant because she could go Sledging on a real mountain it was so funny bless her, but she loved it so much we couldn't get her off the sledge. When the journey back to Germany came, she insisted on having her passport stamped in Switzerland, Austria and then in Germany. Ironically it was New Year's Eve and none of the border patrol officers wanted to do it, but I persuaded them in my best German to do it.

Nanna moved home many times in her life and finally settled in Morecambe, very close to my Mum and Dad.She had many different jobs including being a carer herself for ladies and gentlemen many years younger than her. she loved life to the full and enjoyed spending time with as much family as possible. Bingo and penny arcades were her weakness and couldn't resist them, like a little girl all excited she would play the bandits and cross her numbers off the bingo card and love it when she won.

My Nanna had a very good life surrounded by lots and lots of family and was loved by many more, when she became ill my mum and dad and many other family members would always try to comfort and reassure her, when things weren't quite so good.

The time came when Nanna was too ill to stay home and was taken to the wonderful hospice I'm raising money for, the staff there made her feel so wanted and loved. It gave us all a sense of reassurance she was in the right place, my mum, dad and aunties and uncles were regular visitors and enjoyed a few final moments before Nanna decided she wanted to join her Angel again my Grandad Eli Cresswell.

Nannas bedside was surrounded by all her children, and many of her Grand and Great granchildren, my uncle Peter had travelled from the other side of the country to get there, and she knew she couldn't go to play with Grandad until he got there.

Nanna is sorely missed by all of us and we miss her terribly, but we all have wonderful memories of her and that keeps us strong.

My Nanna was the glue we all needed in our lives, and unfortunately they don't make glue like this anymore. 

My Dad and my Nanna were very big influences in my life and if I could ever be half the man they were in their lifetimes I wouldn't  go far wrong.

I will do my best to raise as much money for this wonderful hospice that gave my family love comfort and dignity in their time of need.

Thank you for reading my very short story.

Craig