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As you may be aware my amazing Dad, T. Keith Bruce lost his four-year long battle to cancer on Wednesday, 23rd May 2012; he was only 55!

Events like Race for Life are vital in funding Cancer Research UK's life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. By supporting us now you can help more people survive cancer!

My Dad, Keith was diagnosed on Wednesday, 18th June 2008, the cancer was primarily in the kidney, but was also detected in the pelvis area, lymph nodes and in the centre of the chest, his cancer was without a cure. Despite this Dad took all the treatments available, to start he self-injected his medication, apparently not good when you have a major fear of needles and a love of Guinness! He then went onto intravenous chemo, regular trips from Fraserburgh to Aberdeen's Anchor Unit for his treatment; however a Wednesday was never the same on the ward when Dad was around, especially when he arrived with his homemade Sugary Candy in hand and that cheery smile!

The pelvic area started giving Dad a bit of a rough deal so his consultant; Dr. Bisset arranged for Radiotherapy on the said area, zapped and home another round taken in his stride!

Prior to his Cancer being diagnosed, Dad saw the first of his two Grandkids born, both to my Brother Kevin and his wife, Marie. The first, in February 2006, to arrive was Abbie, who to this day is his only Granddaughter! The second was Liam, who came six weeks early in December 2007, an early Christmas present to the whole family!

During the time he was living with Cancer he saw:

* In October 2008, the woman of his dreams; Avril became his Wife! After they were declared as Husband and Wife, Dad punched the air and ahouted 'At Last!'

* At some point in 2009, possibly April, Dad and Avril went on a Baltic Cruise, their long awaited Honeymoon! Two weeks on a luxury ship in the best suite, visiting Holland, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Russia, Finland and Sweden, howeevr not something they'd do again?!

* In April 2010, Dad and Avril went to Thialand, for Avril's 50th, this was the trip of a lifetime! Both of them thoroughly enjoyed it, especially all the chatting up Dad received, whether it was from males or females, apparently hard to distinguish from one another over there!

* In April 2010, Kevin (my brother) was asked to play his bagpipes across in NYC for Rupert Murdoch's 80th Birthday Celebrations. Dad was as proud as punch, especially as Rupert had family connections with Rosehearty and Dad saw an ideal opportunity to print and send a copy of his panoramic photo of Rosehearty for the Birthday Boy! Kevin and Marie (my sister-in-law) had a long weekend in America, all expenses paid by the Murdoch's for a short time piping, something Dad took great pleasure in telling everyone!

* In May 2010, Aiden Whyte was born, Dad's third Grandchild, first child of Step-Daughter Dee and her partner Smokey (Steven).

* In August 2010, Dad had his cancerous kidney removed with success! He suffered and infection, which floored him but he came through it fighting! The night before Dad was taken in for surgery Mike and I had been up visiting, as we were leaving Mike ran back as he'd 'forgotten' something?! Later on I found out he'd asked my Dad for his permission to marry me... Dad shook Mike's hand in agreement!

* In February 2011, Lewis Keith Boyle was born, Dad's fourth Grandchild, first son to me and my, now, Husband, Mike. Dad was over the moon to find out the we named our first born after his Didie!

* In July 2011, Dad walked me down the aisle for the second time, he was chuffed to bits as he not only got to see his daughet happy, but he got to take plenty photos and most importantly he took me to the wedding in his BMW Z3, his pride and joy! It was Dad's fault I was 45 minutes late as he spend ages faffing about with the ribbons for the car, only for them to scratch the bonnet in the wind en-route to Haddo House. Not a big deal as my new Husband, Mike was very good at polishing cars! It was looking as good as new the following weekend!

In December 2011, Dad suffered from major tiredness and confusion; something wasn't right... He was taken into hospital, Broch first then through to Aberdeen where they performed test after test, this resulted in a diagnosis of the cancer spreading to the front right lobe of his brain. The neurology departmenht said to the location and the size of the tumour they could't touch it! So another hurdle for Dad and the rest of the family! We didn't think he'd see Christmas 2011, but my stubborn old Dad fought through! He had more radiotherapy and steroids to reduce the swelling around the tumour, this was to give him some quality time and a bit of a life back... He took it on the chin and didn't waste a second! He was right on the case, sorting out all of his affairs; solicitors, ministers, council, you name it! We cleared Dad's house out in January as he'd no more use for it as he was now living full-time with Avril. The house clearance was madl I've never met a man who had so much stuff... At least one of everything!

With the Radiotherapy, Dad lost his hair, now it was becoming more real was ill... Despite the fact he was still smiling!

More recently the cancer was detected on Dad's spine; the cancer was still on the move, another round of Radiotherapy to ease the pain! Dr. Bisset was going for quality and tried to make everything as comfortable for Dad as possible.

On Thursday, 17th May 2012, Dad went to visit Dr. Bisset, this turned out to be his last appointment... Dr. Bisset advised my brave but ill Dad that the side effects were outweighing the benefits of the drugs and course would not be renewed! After a long talke, plenty of questions and long silences, Dad and Avril left to begin their journey back tot he Broch. Dad was a very proud and stubborn man, everything he did was with dignity and a smile, but he knew if the Doctor could no longer help, then no one else could, it was his time! Dad was in bed all day on Friday, too tired and lethargic to get up, not even for a fag! He quickly deterioated and sadly but peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, 23rd May 2012 he passed away. We were all there with him, his Mam; Grunny Bruce, Avril, his devoted Wife, Kenneth; his eldest Brother, Kevin; his youngest Brother, my Brother, Kevin, my Husband, Mike and I, we all said our goodbyes and all let him know he was very much loved! He's now no longer suffering, no longer in pain... My Dad was my rock, my world and my friend! I miss him terribly every single day! His words of advice and photographs will always be with me along with my wonderful memories.

Some of Dad's worldly words...

* Live each day as if it were your last

* Treat other as you would expected to be treated

* Smile!

* This life is not a practise, live it now

* If you have some cash, spend it! Ye canna tak it to the grave we ye!

With Dad's advice in mind, dig deep!

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Many thanks for your support, together we will beat Cancer!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your donation,

Frances x