In August 2017 we suddenly lost Bill (my Grandad). 

Since January 2013 my Grandad battled through several illnesses starting with a heart attack, where he had two stents fitted, he then decided to retire that August at the age of 66 after making a full recovery. Later on in November of that year he was diagnosed with Oesphageal Cancer, chemotherapy was not an option due to his recent heart attack. He then underwent major surgery (oesphagectomy) in January 2014; again making a full recovery and was cleared of cancer within 3 months of diagnosis. He then lead a full and active life, enjoying his retirement as things were starting to look up again.

A few days before he was due to turn 70 (November 2016) he noticed a lump on his neck. After seeing the GP and undergoing several tests, he was diagnosed with secondary oesophageal cancer in his lymph nodes on December 23rd 2016, we were told there was no treatment available for him and he would be referred oncology. It felt like 'go away and try to enjoy your Christmas and we'll see you in the new year'.

Returning in January 2017 we were given some hope. They were sending him for some more tests to see if the cancer was isolated, after a PET scan we was given the good news that it was. This meant a course of intense radiotherapy was booked every day for 4 weeks. From February to March he underwent the treatment. 

8 weeks post radio therapy he attended an appointment at the hospital where the consultant gave us the news that radiotherapy had worked as there was no mass in his neck. Within 5 months he had beat cancer again.

Throughout everything that he went through he never let it bother him, or get him down. He always said 'its not going to beat me' and he was right it didn't. His strength, determination, positive outlook and the love of his family got him through everything. He believed somebody was looking after him and thats all that mattered, repeatedly saying 'its not my time to go'.

On Wednesday 16th August at 12:00pm me and my Mum (Lorraine) got a call at work from my Grandma (Anita - who was at home recovering from an operation herself with the help of my Grandad) to say that he had collapsed and that the ambulance crew was there and they were taking him into hospital. He got up that morning feeling slightly unwell and feverish. Later that afternoon while waiting in A&E we were all informed that he had fractured his skull when he slipped and had a huge bleed on the brain which was inoperable. 

He then sadly passed away with all of his family beside him at 4:15pm. 

The cause of his collapse (which we have now discovered) was from pneumonia, so now my Dad (Mark), brother (Will) and myself want to raise awareness and money for the British lung foundation which deal with pneumonia and cancer research UK in memory of my Grandad, who we were all so close to and loved so much. 

We have decided to do a Tandem sky dive, at Skydive Langar on Sunday 3rd June 2018 at 12:00pm.

We all would be really grateful of any donation and hope to raise as much money and awareness as possible. Thank you for taking the time to read.

We love and miss you so much Grandad x

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