The possibility that Michael had prostate cancer was picked up on a routine annual medical in 2008 when his PSA was recorded at slightly outside the boundaries of normality. At the time he kept it to himself as he didn't want to worry any of us. His next appointment however showed a further rise in PSA and we realised that he was going to need treatment. The initial stages were filled with positive vibes for a good outcome and he continued to busy himself with his various projects. Sadly last October with the cancer not responding to hormone treatment and medication, Michael started chemotherapy. Complications from this led to a lengthy hospital stay and we became increasingly concerned for his longer term prospects. He was started on a newly approved drug in the summer which has seen some success but scans after eight weeks showed that Michael's cancer was not responding to this. A further course of an alterntive chemotherapy was then strongly recommended to us and Michael grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He was so brave and desperately wanted to spend more time with us but sadly after just two sessions it became obvious that the cancer had progressed and the consultant admitted Michael from a clinic appointment on 29th August 2013. His condition deteriorated and he passed away peacefully with all of us present on Tuesday 3rd September 2013.

He had excellent care throughout and the health service nurses and doctors we had contact with could not have been more kind or helpful. During Michael's final days the kindness and compassion shown to us as a family by all those caring for him was exceptional.

Michael was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be terribly missed by us all. We would like donations made to Prostate Cancer UK rather than flower tributes as we would like to think that our sad loss could contribute to finding a cure for Prostate Cancer.

Thanks for all of your support,

Eunice, Hollie, James, Anneli & Barclay x