In celebration of Rob‘s life and his courage we are raising money to support the Campaign for Dignity in Dying in the UK.

In October 2022 aged just 39 Rob was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal lung cancer - “what the hell, i don’t even smoke”

After his diagnosis he decided to live his life to the fullest, he quit his job and refused to let this define him.

In his own words:

“The tumour in my lung was tiny, just 20mm. The problem is it had metastasise and I have about 12 tumours all around my chest cavity, lung lining and neck. Obviously this is annoying cause its gonna kill me but it also leaves me fully functional. I’ve spent most of the last 10 months just enjoying the sun, beach and surf. I made it up to Fraser & Double Island a few times. Lots of fishing! I got really into fishing because it’s enjoyable over here. Nature walks & hikes. Loved my bodyboard and being smashed about by waves and swimming across some of the beautiful estuaries. Its been so much fun. I even refused to let cancer stop me completing my AUS Cert4 in plumbing and become a full qualified plumber, not that I got to use it much 😆”

6 months after his diagnosis his health began to deteriorate rapidly. Fortunately where he lived in Queensland, Australia assisted dying is legal and he set in motion plans to end his life on his own terms, whilst he still could, with the dignity and respect he deserved, all the while sticking two fingers up at this awful disease.

And so, on the 21st August after lunch of ribs and chips, a few laughs and a cup of champagne with his wife, parents and sister, Rob ended his life peacefully and painlessly without fear, surrounded by love.

Had he still been living in the UK, he would have been forced to limp on in unimaginable pain until something eventually killed him. This disgusting illness would have robbed him of his joy, dignity and ultimately who he was. His sons aged just 4 and 7 would have had to watch him deteriorate, having their own memories of their big strong and funny Daddy clouded. Alternatively he would have had to go abroad, alone and at great expense to have the death he deserved.

No one should have to make that choice.

Please help us raise money so people in the UK can have the dignified deaths they deserve on their own terms.