<p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000080;">Hi all,</span></p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000080;">Dave Kerr-Rettie was diagnosed with Oesphageal Cancer 11 weeks ago and was given a life shattering short prognosis. He started his chemotherapy treatment and whilst successful at first, he died a sudden and cruel death at 5.30am on 4th September 2011.</span></p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000080;">Dave was a perfect and much admired dad, husband, son, brother, teacher and friend.</span></p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000080;">One of his last wishes was to raise awareness of this devastating cancer, which has a relatively small amount of investment from the NHS due to the short life expectancy of patients.</span></p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000080;">24 hrs before his death, this message nearly read somewhat differently. I had already organised a Kilimanjaro expidition to help raise sponsorship whilst Dad dealt with the disease, towards the only charity that supports patients and fights for increased preventative action for this particular cancer; the OPA (Oesophageal Patient Association).</span></p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000080;">On 20th October I will be undertaking this challenge on behalf of my father and OPA. This page now has greater significance. For those who have been touched by Dave at some point in their life and would like to, we would be grateful for all donations.</span></p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000080;">With sincere thanks during this devasting time.</span></p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000080;">Bryn, Kathy, Jenny and Brian, Laura and Huw.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Please note:</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. You can now also donate by text. Please see details on this page.</p>