Message from Sue Bechtel:

Our darling Kurt passed away peacefully in hospital on Monday 18 April 2016, with us all by his side. He has fought so hard the past 18 months to beat the mesothelioma and had active treatment right up until the day before he died in an effort to get through this latest period of illness brought on by chemo. 

Kurt was diagnosed with Epithelioid Mesothelioma in October 2014. This dreadful cancer, caused by asbestos, is incurable with a poor prognosis. Through contact with Mesothelioma UK, Kurt gained access to further specialists in the field of mesothelioma and opted to have a radical operation in June 2015 to remove the linings of his lung, chest wall, pericardium and diaphragm in an effort to remove as much of the cancer as possible and therefore, hopefully, buy him more time. 

His braveness and strength in the way he has met this illness head-on, to buy him more precious time with his family, has been inspirational to myself and the girls. He was, and always will be, the love of my life and soulmate, my best friend. I could not have chosen a more loving father for Sophie and Chloe. He is going to leave such a big void in our lives.

Mesothelioma UK has been a fountain of knowledge which has helped us come to decisions about treatment options and staff have always been on the other end of the phone when we have needed advice or support... for which we are so grateful. Please help us to raise as much as possible to provide this worthwhile charity with the funding they require to continue their excellent work.

Kurt's funeral service will be held on Tuesday 3 May 2016. Due to the overwhelming number of family, close friends and work colleagues Kurt has, we are already way over what the funeral premises can accommodate and so are keeping it confined to those that were closest to Kurt. If you would like to pay your respects, it would be lovely if you could donate to this fantastic charity in Kurt's memory.

Thank you so much.

Sue, Sophie and Chloe
Rose, Karl and Neal