Unfortunately, most of us will have been touched by cancer at some stage and sadly on 13th March 2018, Roy, the lynchpin and head of our family, lost his battle, leaving a huge void with all of us who loved him so much.
Roy was a very special man, a loving husband, DIY dad and a devoted grandad and great grandad and friend to many. He loved walking and the outdoors and for 25 years he walked from Roker Cafe to Whitburn Cafe where he'd drink from his favourite steel teapot (making sure it's stirred the right way), torment the staff and probably ask for extra butter and cream no doubt ... yes, he was always quite to joker as well!
We really wanted to do a challenge in memory of Roy, but even more importantly, we want to raise valuable funds for St Benedict's Hospice, who did an absolutely sterling job, always going above and beyond for not only him, but the whole family as well. The staff truly understand what everyone is going through during their times visiting, or staying in the hospice and they honestly could not be any more accommodating,
Roy passed away peacefully at Sunderland St Benedicts. Whether it was ensuring Roy was well looked after and pain free or providing someone to talk to for a struggling family member. Nothing was too much for them. It is a particularly calm and peaceful environment at a very sad and distressing time. All of the staff are genuinely caring and full of empathy and for that, we will all be eternally grateful.
Derek (son) and Janice (daughter in-law) Mel (grand daughter) and Dan are Trekking part of the Great Wall of China in memory of Roy and with your help we would like to raise a considerable amount of fundraising for the hospice. We are 100% self-funding the trip and all of money raised will go directly to St Benedict's, to help them help many more families like ours in their time of need.
Speaking about his own challenges, Roy would often say 'Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll eventually get there!' Great advice from a great man. We hope to do you proud.
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