Maxwell Chapman
Albie's 'B' Team
Fundraising for The Rowans Hospice
Story
Back in March, I was invited by The Rowans, to the launch of The Moonlit Memories Walk and I was interviewed by The Portsmouth Evening News to help advertise it.
I must admit, I hadn't planned to participate this year, because it's hard to keep asking for sponsorship, but when they asked if they could use Dads story, to help promote the walk, I just couldn't say no.
On the 9th January, 2014, we lost our dear Dad, (Albert McCann) to secondary prostate cancer, MND & Alzheimer's disease. He had been an extremely fit man all his life & played for Portsmouth FC from 1962-1974. When he finished playing, his testimonial match against West Ham, attracted a crowd of 22,000.
Another proud moment for Dad & us was in June 2012, when he was inducted into the Portsmouth FC Hall of Fame.
Dad went downhill rapidly over Christmas and our GP advised us that maybe it was time for him to go into a home, but we refused, wanting to keep Dad at home and in our care as long as possible. We were fortunate enough to be referred to The Rowans Hospice at Home Team and from then on, he was visited 3-4 times a day & also night time care was generously provided.
The Rowans team were incredible, so kind, caring and compassionate, I cannot find the words to fully describe, how wonderful the staff were and the difference they made to Dad's final days, and to us, as a family, being able to be with him until the very end.
Last year a team of 9 of us, Albie's 'A' Team, walked 12 miles at midnight & raised £2,532.50 for The Rowans.
This year, my daughter Sophie & I , Albie's 'B' Team, are walking in Dad's memory and we hope the money we raise can in some way help towards the most difficult time in another family's life.