We’re sure all of you who knew Mick, felt a deep sense of shock when you heard he had lost his battle with Cancer, on Thursday 29^th July.  We all believed, as he did, that he had conquered it, and that it was a chapter of his life that was firmly in the past.

Everyone admired him not only for the way he got through his first operation and chemo, but also for his strong positive attitude throughout the last two years dealing with the aftermath it had on his body. 

Even when things were uncomfortable for him, which they often were, he carried on regardless and would never let anyone down.  He never complained, just got on with whatever had to be done. He was 100% committed to both his family and his work. He never gave up, even when we knew the cancer was marching through his body, insisting on continuing to do things for himself and indeed for other people.

Nikki and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages and support we have received and all the wonderful tributes paid to Mick.  The word that has been used most often is ‘Inspirational’ – I think we are all in agreement there.

We are grateful that at the end he was able to let go painlessly and peacefully and that me, Nikki, his mum and his sister were there to hold his hands and say goodbye.

We know he will never be forgotten, but will always be remembered for his fortitude and we hope his example will inspire other to deal positively with challenges in their lives.

We hope you will agree this short passage by Robert Louis Stevenson just about sums up Mick’s life

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has left the world better than he found it;
Who has looked for the best in others and given the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration
Whose memory is a benediction

We would like to publicly thank the wonderful teams at Basingstoke and Blackheath hospitals who cared for Mick in his last few weeks.  Also a special thank you to our GP, Dr Matthews and to Madonna at Blackheath Hospital, for their compassion and support.

We hope very much you will be able to join us for the funeral service to celebrate Mick’s life, on Wednesday 11^th August, at 2.45pm, at Eltham Crematorium, Crown Woods Way, SE9 2AZ and afterwards at the Bull’s Head, Royal Parade, Chislehurst, BR7 6NR.

Mick said he would prefer that instead of flowers donations are made to the Pelican Cancer Foundation, a national charity based at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. Pelican is dedicated to improving the survival and quality of life for patients with pelvic (lower bowel,  prostrate, bladder) and liver cancers (PE-LI-CAN).  Please see the link to their website on this page.

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