In July 2024 my dad, Mick Rowbotham was diagnosed with terminal cancer, which was a major shock as he was always a healthy man. During the week he had a spanner in his hand, alongside his son, working like the chuckle brothers, always laughing and sometimes working. At the weekends he loved running in the woods, and long walks in nature where he felt at peace. Freezing swims in the sea, and occasionally golf, although me and him were both shite. Regardless of what he did with us as a family, we were constantly laughing and joking, as he was the funniest man we will ever know. For our family and I know for myself, this was the hardest thing we have ever had to face, as my dad was the most amazing father to us 4 kids. My sisters and I had the best childhoods, because of his unconditional love and hilarious personality. He was the purest soul to ever grace our lives and always will be. For me since I was a young lad I’ve always looked to my dad as my hero and we have always been best mates. Even in the last few years we were inseparable, because I loved my dad more than anything in this life, and I know I was his best mate too, although I annoyed the arse off him.

Unfortunately, As the weeks went on, his illness worsened far quicker than we had anticipated, we could no longer look after him at home, and so in September during my father’s last weeks he was transferred to Martlets hospice.

During his time there, the nurses and carers were so compassionate and caring, ensuring that his last days would be as comfortable as possible. The hospice provided expert care from nurses and carers ensuring my dad was always being looked after, day and night. The nurses were so kind and they really cared for my dad, and made him feel at ease, despite fighting this horrible disease.They made sure that our last days with my Dad, as a family were the best they could be.

It was the perfect environment for my dad in his last days, as he had all the care he needed, which meant he could be at peace coming to the end of his life. They ensured we could share memories and he was able to be his usual funny self until the end, even in his last days he was still cracking jokes like always.

Truly I am so grateful for the care and support the Martlets team provided my dad. Without the Martlets team of nurses and doctors, my Dads last days would’ve been torture, with the pain, stress and anxiety of dealing with terminal cancer, Thanks to them, my dads last days were filled with laughter and love, reminiscing on the amazing times we have spent as a family. When my fathers time came, thanks to the care of nurses and doctors, it was a peaceful transition as his spirit ascended into the sky.

I have set up this page as I will be running the Brighton marathon in April 2025 to honour my amazing dad, But also, because I want to thank Martlets, for the care they provided my dad. Although my father is gone, I know that there will be many more families who have to go through the traumatic experience of caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, and with Martlets care and love their last weeks on earth can be good ones filled with love and compassion around their loved ones.

Martlets amazing and essential care for those with terminal illness’ is only free thanks to the support of local people, businesses, and trusts. As the NHS only covers some cost, donations to the charity are essential to provide their services to patients in their last weeks or days of their lives.

Thanks for reading this, any donations small or large will be greatly appreciated, and you will be aiding the care of those with terminal illness so their last days can be peaceful, and filled with love, just like the martlets have done for my dad.