My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer a week before my wedding in 2022, you wouldn't know it by looking at him; he was super fit - regularly out running, hiking and most importantly playing golf. He was given a year to live, and he was determined to make the most of the time he had left.

He continued to do all of his hobbies until one by one, he was forced to stop as the disease progressed, until golf was the only thing left - not that my dad would have complained, if you knew him, you know golf was his lifelong obsession.

In October 2025, Dad was admitted to the Marie Curie. Initially, this was for a bit of rehab to hopefully get him back onto the golf course, but unfortunately, that was not to be. He was rushed to the Royal with pneumonia and sepsis in December, but against all the odds, he pulled through, and we were lucky to have a very nice Christmas together as a family in the Marie Curie.

Unfortunately, the disease progressed faster after this event, and in February 2026, my dad sadly passed away. After being given a year to live, he managed three and a half. This is just a testament to his strength and will.

He was a man who was larger than life - first up at the karaoke, first up to dance, constantly pushing us to keep going when the going got tough ("Get to the objective!" being one of his favourite phrases). He would always be there for his family and friends - he would do anything for us at the drop of a hat.

On the day my son was born, Dad came to the hospital, and what he said to me will stay with me forever. He said, "Son, you are a millionaire now", but the truth is, my brother and I have always been millionaires because we were so lucky to have a dad like him.

The Marie Curie was like a second home to us during this incredibly difficult period - they were just brilliant, they made sure my dad was well looked after and made sure he wasn't in any pain. The support they gave us as a family was incredible. As difficult a time as this has been, Marie Curie done everything they could to ease the burden of it.

It is an absolute honour for me to take part in the 3 Lochs challenge on behalf of Marie Curie - it is the absolute least I can do for everything they have done for Dad and our family.