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January 2017 my Dad Stuart Cowie a very fit and active man was set to take on his second year of retirement life. In months after he finished work his pace of life became more slower and he did what he enjoyed and one of them eating biscuits. He indulged a lot but soon became aware of what he was doing an cut out sugar. Stuart then soon started to become very full after very little to eat and felt some discomfort so he had an appointment at the doctors. They did some blood tests and when the results came back the doctor instructed him to go straight  to hospital. From here on Stuart spent the last 6 months of his life in and out, only to find he had ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity) -2 litres of it! After the fluid was taken scans could be made and also a biopsy was taken.The results took an intense few weeks to arrive and the dreaded answer was revealed, my dad had cancer of the peritoneal (lining of the abdomen) little did we know this was a result of his past working with aspestos in his teenage years. The doctors had very little hope as the position of it meant it was in operable and radio therapy was not an option. The one chance we had was Chemotherapy but this did not agree well with him being admitted to hospital with sepsis. Stuart was given palliative care at home by the district nurses before he wished to be taken to The Hospice Of The Good Shepard,Backford. Here Stuart was given the most compassionate and caring end of life care he or us family could wish for. The staff went out their way to ensure he was comfortable and given the best treatment along with great support care for the  family members, ensuring we were happy too. Having this happy and peace full environment meant we were put at ease in this nightmare as he was given exceptional 24hr care he may not of got at home by healthcare professionals. Im truly happy my dad spent his last few days where he wished,  the service he was given in his last week was above and beyond expectations. 

My dad sadly passed away on the 26th July 2017 after 6 months of suffering.. .

Care still continued on for us family from the nurses and bereavement team, they advised and comforted us which seems like the impossible over the worst news but yet, they managed it with their skills. They gave us time to grieve and ensured we were fed and watered.

Just over a year to this date Saturday 28th July 2018 a kayaking day will take place along the Dee, there would be no better way to remember Stuart and give donations to continue the great service The Hospice give. Stuart always loved water- either being on it in his boats sailing or swimming or evening following it on foot. In the recent retirement years he has took the steady pace of paddling, he became a keen kayaker and this was one of his regular routes he would take within the Diva club or on his own.

So If you want to partake please let me know or you may just want to spectate at a pub along the route.

The specific route will depend on weather if we go up or down stream.

Any Donations will be greatly appreciated. 

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Thank you 

Danielle