12th December 2020

Dad sadly passed away at home... 2020 was unexpected for all and he was meant to cheer me on at the marathon but like everything it was cancelled.

The later part of the year was a difficult time for Dad. His mobility reduced as the illness impacted other parts of his body. He used a walking stick and then a wheelchair and spent some time at Woodlands Hospice in Aintree as he struggled with pain. 

A real positive for the year was that my sister got married in August, it was a fantastic day for the family. Dad loved it. 

In November we found out the Bowel Cancer had progressed to his Brain. He began to change even more ... we got him home for 3 weeks (end of life care) which was tough but we all had precious time with Dad in and even managed to catch a few Walsall game on the Ipad, and raise a few smiles.  

The last few days were hard. When he was physically near the end me, mum and my sister were round his bed waiting for him to stop breathing.. It felt surreal, at times even peaceful.. We all knew he was close to the end and looking back now even though he had the Cancer for a long time and his decline in health was somewhat expected in a way.. the pain / shock for all of us was there.. we all knew we were going to lose Dad. 

Focus now turns to training hard for the Marathon 🏃. When I run I think of Dad, not just of his illness but the happy times were shared throughout his life.  

Dad remained as positive as he could be during his fight with his illness and he was always grateful for the support of nurses, hospice care and charities in raising awareness for Bowel Cancer.

Thank you for your support in raising awareness and funds for a fantastic charity x 

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22nd March 2014... I was at a friend's 30th birthday party. A celebration... we hadn't caught up in a long time. When out the blue my mom was calling. What did she want I thought... the party was in full swing. 

Hi mom... She was upset... What's up?... Yours dad's appointment today... He's got cancer.. 

In that moment you do not know what to say...your taken aback...shock... mom's crying... 

Dad had not long stopped work... He had been for a routine check up... This is not how retirement was supposed to start... 

25th January 2020... A nurse visits dad at home to remove his chemotherapy pump which he's had on for the last 48 hours. He's tired.. Wackoed as he likes to say!  But he's positive.. He always is... many people wouldn't even realise what he's been through... 

This is another hurdle to get over... just like the operations, stays in hospital, hernia and having a permanent stoma bag fitted. 

He's had rounds of chemotherapy before.. radiation treatment as well... It's part of his life now. The cancer is still there.. small but they're struggling to get rid of it. Another chemotherapy cycle will start in two weeks time. Not sure how long for.. then a rest period and everything hopefully gets back to normal. 

I am running for my dad... To raise Bowel Cancer awareness, research and funds. I'm immensely proud of how he has coped with this chapter in his life. 

I love going to the football with my dad can't wait for the next game when he's on the mend - Walsall FC.. Saddlers! 

Please give graciously and thank you for your donations to this worthy cause.

Your money saves lives.. £5 of your donations helps them print leaflets which increase awareness of the signs of bowel cancer. £200 helps train a specialist nurse in advance treatment and care. With your support I can reach my target of £2,000 this could be used towards vital research to uncover why bowel cancer is increasing in younger people. 

We're the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. We're determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.Your support will help stop people dying of bowel cancer by funding vital services and lifesaving research.

Thank you