My story

My Story

I had a Dad who was my worst critic! He picked out every mistake and hardly ever mentioned the positives after every football game he came to watch. At the time I couldn't understand this and it made it difficult to talk to him after every football match I played. What I've realised since, is that all he wanted was to see me be the best I could be and it was his words that made me better, stronger and more determined to be a winner. Although at times I didn't appreciate them, now I do....but it's too late!

I have many regrets towards the relationship I had with my Dad and now it's time to put it right. This is my chance to tell you why I want to run in memory of such an incredible man......

When playing for Walsall F.C four years ago, my Dad was fighting a battle with cancer for the third time. After being a footballer himself, being very fit and never smoking, my family and I were devastated and never thought it would happen to him. He lived on the south coast of England so I didn't see him often as I lived a couple of hours away, which meant he couldn't get to see me play for Walsall much and when I lifted the League Two Championship Trophy as the captain of Walsall FC, he wasn't there to see it. Like I said, he was my worst critic but all he ever wanted was to see me succeed! At the time his criticism made me scared to speak to him too much about football over the phone, as he always picked out my errors, but little did I know there would come a day SOON, when I could only see his name on my phone but not be able to call him and hear his voice, as he's not there anymore! 

Towards the end I received a call telling me he had been taken into hospital and it was time, so I dropped everything to get there before it happened. He never opened his eyes again so I never got to say goodbye, see him smile or just see his eyes acknowledge me one last time, but he was still breathing when I arrived.

The doctors told us he had enough sedatives to sedate a horse just to get him to sleep so he was comfortable, as he fought so much! My family were already there so I know he was waiting for me to get there. I sat next to him and held his hand for long periods through the night until the sun was rising. It was an amazing red sunset which was so fitting and we all took a photo of it which I still have on my phone, it just seemed right! (The picture is in the photo's and was taken shortly before my Dad passed away) After the photo we all sat back round my Dad and opened the back door of his room which had a beautiful green just outside. It was very peaceful and as my Dad was a nature lover it was something he would have wanted, to be able to smell the fresh air. It seemed like my Dad was a magnet to all things beautiful and with the doors open, squirrels began to creep through the door searching for food. My Dad would have been in his element and this was just what he would have wanted.

Minutes later whilst holding my Dad's hand he took his last breath. I can remember thinking as my eyes filled up "Come on Dad, one more breath, inhale again.....don't leave me!" 

My Dad passed away at the age of 58 on 10th September 2007 and my world stopped....I was crushed! I had so many regrets that I never put right, one of which was that I never thanked him for all his help in my career, but most of all, I was too much of a man to tell him I loved him and I was proud to have him as my Dad.

My gift to my Dad was to achieve something and give a little back, so at his funeral I buried my Championship medal with him. That was my thank you for the lessons he had taught me and for making me who I am today.

Since that day I've lived with regrets and I've realised that life is too short to say "I'm thinking about doing it!" when you might not get the chance. I have been talking about the London Marathon since I was a boy and I used to watch it with my Dad. Football always prevented me from taking part in it. Since retiring through knee injuries it looked even less likely that I would be able to do it. But now I am grabbing my chance and I am ready to prove I can do it and raise as much money for Macmillan Cancer Support to help the people and the friends and families of those that have had cancer or are fighting the battle right now.

This has always been a very personal story and one which I have never shared outside of my family until now! All I ask is that you support me in my fundraising and donate as much as you can spare to help me run for such a worthy cause. It doesn't have to be a lot, just what you can afford and I guarantee, I WILL NOT LET ANY OF YOU DOWN!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now! If you can't afford to donate, all I ask is you share this page with your friends and family, thank you.

My gallery 7

My updates 2

Not long to go and I'm starting to get a little nervous! There's been a sudden increase in donations recently and I'd like to thank you all for your donations and support, especially Walsall And Brentford supporters who have added to my total over the last few days. Thanks : )

12/04/12 14:18

Just 19 days to go! I just want to thank everyone that has donated so far and for all your support along the way. I really appreciate it.

03/04/12 10:25

My Teams

My company

My charity

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support

Charity Registration No. 261017

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. One in three of us will get cancer. Two million of us are living with it. We are all affected by cancer. We can all help. We are Macmillan.

Donations 152

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Good luck Dobbo. Brilliant to do so much for a good charity. Pity you're no longer at WFC,top pro,loyal,led by example. With you every inch of the way

Donation by Matty Mason (Walsall web-fans) on 08/04/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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All the best fella, regards Dudders and J.D - Walsall web-fans

Donation by Ian & Harry on 08/04/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

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I did it last year and know how hard it is!

Donation by Kevin (Walsall web-fans) on 08/04/12

£5.00

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Best of luck with the marathon run. A tough enough challenge anyway, added to by your injuries from football, a truly inspiring effort. Best wishes.

Donation by Andy Van Hagen (Walsall web-fans) on 08/04/12

£20.00

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Dobbo, all the best Captain Marvel!

Donation by Shilts (Walsall Web-Fans) on 08/04/12

£5.00

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Best of Luck Michael

Donation by Sarah WFC on 08/04/12

£3.00

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Good to see you at Walsall today. After speaking to you I looked at your page. Your story inspired me to offer a little support. Good luck

Donation by Sue Lane on 07/04/12

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As only the 2nd bloke to lead Walsall to a cham'ship, you'll always have a special place in our hearts. Sad story - great cause - good luck Michael

Donation by Paul on 04/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good luck with the the run, you will make your dad very proud. Hope for dry weather on the day. love from The Gardeners xx

Donation by Martin Gardener on 04/04/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Another bit towards your total! You'll make him proud x

Donation by Sarah Scullion on 04/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Michael Enjoy the day and am sure you will make everyone who knows you very proud. I look forward to hearing your scarily fast time!!

Donation by Adam Batty on 03/04/12

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

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Hey Michael Thanks for the memories with the Saddlers!!! Good luck in the marathon - I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Donation by Kevin Lloyd on 02/04/12

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As a Brentford supporter I've been privileged to watch both your father & you play.Good Luck.Fly the flag for the Dobson family.You can do it Dobbo

Donation by Ron and Eve Bushnell on 01/04/12

£50.00

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Just have an amazing day!! x

Donation by Sylvia Carswell on 31/03/12

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Good luck Mike. A good cause and a great experience. Enjoy the day…

Donation by Louise on 29/03/12

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Enjoy:-)

Donation by Brian Butler on 16/03/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Well Done Michael, you can do this! X

Donation by Anonymous on 15/03/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Let's hope fellow Saddlers fans do you proud. Good luck and worthy cause. All the best. Tony Machin

Donation by Tony Machin on 03/03/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

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Sure you'll make your Dad proud! from a Saddlers fan

Donation by Carl Sargent on 02/03/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

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Good luck Michael...just remember to have fun and enjoy every minute - 3hrs 30? You'll ace it :-)

Donation by Erika on 25/02/12

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

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Go get 'em

Donation by Paul Drage on 20/02/12

£4.50

+ £1.13 Gift Aid

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Thanks again!

Donation by Julie Lyle on 17/02/12

£2.00

+ £0.50 Gift Aid

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Thank you again for your advice

Donation by Julie Lyle on 28/01/12

£2.00

+ £0.50 Gift Aid

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Best of luck to you, Michael. You know all of us Runners are cheering you on every step of the way. We're all so proud of what you're doing!

Donation by Sam Robbins on 18/01/12

£15.00

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Good luck with the fundraising, and the marathon. From www.villagewebdesign.co.uk

Donation by Rob Jones on 12/01/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£4,030.00
  • Offline donations£0.00
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£4,030.00
  • Gift Aid£717.05

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.