It has taken me some time to write a fitting tribute to an amazing young man that I am proud to call my son.

I thought that I would share some valuable memories of Bradley and share the impact Forget Me Not made to myself and my family.

I am very fortunate to now work at Forget Me Not as a Team Leader in the Family Support Team and I endeavour to support and enhance services to those who find themselves with a child who has a life shortening condition or is sadly bereaved. Your donation would be greatly appreciated and will ensure that families across West Yorkshire will continue to be supported by an amazing charity.

I can’t find the words to express the love, care and support both Bradley and our family received from all at Forget Me Not, during our time in the Snowflake Suite. Being able to stay so close to Bradley and to have the space to try to begin to come to terms with our loss, was so important for us.

Bradley was indeed a beautiful unfinished symphony

‘My Son’.

To my Son, I Love you so

You are so special - I hope you know.

With every day that passes by

You’re more than a twinkle in my eye.

So loving, so giving, a heart of gold,

Always my baby, even when I’m old.

Your love shines through for all to see

I feel so proud that you are part of me

Bradley was a bundle of fun throughout his life. He wasn’t quite two when he discovered the hosepipe in the garden, and took great delight in soaking everyone in sight.

His first teacher at nursery school was feeding back to me that he’d had a bit of a bad day, and earlier in the day when she had attempted to speak to him about it, he gave his teacher the most magnificent smile.

She told me that Bradley’s smile would help him throughout his life, and it is one of his lasting legacies.

Bradley first became ill last August, and was finally diagnosed with a brain tumour in October. Arrangements were made for Bradley to attend the Radiotherapy Department at St James’s, five days a week; and his final session was on Christmas Eve. He never moaned and he was really brave, always thinking of others, especially his family.

Brad remained in charge throughout his illness, and showed a level of maturity that was so impressive. Early on in his treatment the medics weren’t sure about performing a biopsy, because of the risks involved.

Bradley accepted the risks, as he wanted to know the extent of his illness, and said he wanted the surgery. When it became clear the radiotherapy hadn’t worked, he offered to take part in a drugs trial, as he wanted to do something to help others who may benefit in the future, even if the drugs didn’t help him.

Bradley was an important part of a very close and loving family, who had the courage that enabled him to keep control of his treatment, and to keep his independence.

Bradley continued to attend school, and he sat two maths and an English GCSE during this period.

He also attended a Presentation Evening at school where his Head of Year made a special award to Brad.

“Bradley MacDonald was the only real contender for this special award. Even before his diagnosis with cancer this year, Brad was one of the most vibrant, determined and fun loving young people I have had the pleasure of working with.

I remember in October of Year 11, Brad dressed in his super smart business suit, telling me of the investigations into the ‘mass’ doctors had found on his brain stem and ‘even if it is cancer Miss, I’m going to fight this, I’m not going to let it beat me’ with a huge confident grin on his face.

And wow…he certainly hasn’t. Even after the formal diagnosis, throughout his hospital appointments, on-going treatment and tests, Brad has continually come to school to get on with his Year 11 studies with the rest of the year group.

He has never, ever lost his vision and goals, and no matter how hard things have got, he has never waivered from striving for the best. Bradley sat his GCSE exams this summer when he didn’t have to, he came into school when he could have stayed at home, and he kept smiling, even when he was in real pain.

Together with his family, who I also have to say have been an inspiration to me, with their positivity and strength. I am in awe of the way Brad is indeed fighting this condition. I have never known such a strong minded and resilient young man, or someone more deserving of The MFG’s first Character Award. Congratulations to Bradley MacDonald.”

Bradley wanted the chance to go abroad again; and at the end of July 2015 he got his wish, and went to Turkey with me and his sisters Maddie and Maisy. He was well enough to enjoy himself and he was in the pool every day.

There was a Patisserie on the site, and Bradley loved cakes so he was very happy – he also loved the pizzas and pasta, indeed Brad just loved food in general.

His sisters took turns to push him round the site in his wheelchair; he loved all sports and really enjoyed coaching his sisters from the side of the pool, trying to help them improve their swimming technique, although his mum noticed he was a bit frustrated that he couldn’t get in the water with them, and help them more.

We arrived home on Sunday 2 August. Bradley talked with me and his dad and said that he thought it was time to stop the treatment.

As difficult as it was for us, we showed real courage, and respected his decision, and he stopped his treatment on Wednesday.

Brad wanted to make arrangements to be cared for in Forget Me Not Hospice, and also to be cared for after his death in the Snowflake room. We knew that part of his decision was about caring for us; he wanted to make it as easy as he could for us.

He was due to visit Forget Me Not on Friday 7th but his condition deteriorated quite rapidly. He died peacefully at home on Friday 7 August, surrounded by his loving family; and as he requested, he was taken to the Snowflake Suite at Forget Me Not, and we stayed there with him until the funeral .

Bradley loved everything about cars, including watching Top Gear. He arrived at his School Prom in an Aston Martin DB9 – he adored it. He’s had to rely on slightly more sedate wheels during the last few months, including a Mobility Scooter that his grandad repaired for him.

So, weather permitting, he used to go out for rides in the local neighbourhood, wearing his ‘shades’, with his Bluetooth speakers in the basket on the front, with ‘You Keep Me Rolling’ blasting out.

On one occasion Maddie and Maisy were playing at the end of the road with their friends. The girls were very embarrassed by their big brother, but their friends loved it. Brad also took me for a spin, then for an encore he drove around with a neighbour on his knee.

He then discovered that the Asda Scooters were bigger, better and more powerful; unfortunately Bradley’s skills weren’t quite up to the more powerful machine, and in true Top Gear style he managed to clear a full shelf of shot glasses; and at that point Carly hid around the corner.

Brad went on to almost demolish a checkout, wiping out a display of chocolate in the process. He so loved embarrassing his sisters. Like all brothers and sisters they had a love hate relationship on the surface, but would do anything for each other. Bradley was very proud of his sisters, and he loved them dearly.

‘Picture of You’.

I only have a picture now,

A frozen piece of time,

To remind me of how it was,

When you were here, and mine.

I see your smiling eyes

Each morning when I wake,

I talk to you, and place a kiss,

Upon your lovely face.

How much I miss you being here,

I really cannot say,

The ache is deep inside my heart,

And never goes away.

I hear it mentioned often,

That time will heal the pain,

But if I'm being honest,

I hope it will remain.

I need to feel you constantly,

To get me through the day,

I loved you so very much,

Why did you go away?

The angels came and took you,

That really wasn't fair,

They took my one and only Son,

My future life. My heir.

If only they had asked me,

If I would take your place,

I would have done so willingly,

Leaving you this world to grace.

You should have had so many years,

To watch your life unfold,

And in the midst of this,

Watch me, your Mum grow old!

I hope you're watching from above,

At the daily tasks I do,

And let there be no doubt at all,

I really do love you

We enjoyed making memories with Bradley and one of his wishes was to go to London. We all had a great time, visiting London Zoo, the Aquarium, M&M World and the Rainforest Café. They also went on the London Eye.

When we were planning our last day, Bradley was told he could choose where we were going to eat. Using Google, Bradley found a Tepinyaki restaurant, where the Chef cooked Japanese food at your table, so a table was duly booked.

The following day was spent sightseeing, and we decided not to bother getting changed, and went straight to the restaurant.

I was a little bit bothered that we had not decided to change for dinner, when I saw the very expensive cars parked outside the restaurant. The opulence continued as we were seated at our table, and the very attentive waiters assisted us to put on bibs with silver chains.

One look at the menu told us that we were about to blow our budget – which we did with gusto.

Brad ordered prawns (his favourite) and sat sipping Mocktails the whole evening. It was a night we will remember forever.

Brad went on a weekend away with some friends he had met who had Cancer. It was an action packed weekend which included many activities including zip wire and he would party all night (he was the last 1 left at the disco every night) He really loved it.

Over that weekend this piece of music became the anthem for the holiday; it summed up a special time for him, and every time he played it when he got back home it made him smile. It would make him smile to think that we were all listening to it and I will sure have this tune on my playlist whilst training and running the Marathon.