We are heartbroken to share that our Dad passed away on the 6th of August 2025, aged just 60. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, and from the very beginning, his journey was filled with unanswered questions and a constant battle for clarity.

Throughout his illness, we were faced time and time again with poor communication and a lack of joined-up support. Every step felt like a fight not just against cancer, but to be heard and helped. Thankfully, Dad had voices behind him… but we can’t help but wonder: what happens to the people who have no one fighting for them?

He was traumatised after a hospital stay where he was left without water, without help to get to the toilet, and without the basic dignity every human deserves. That experience stayed with him and with us. It was the main reason he agreed to go into Dougie Mac in his final week. Now, we often sit and think: should we have encouraged it sooner?

From the moment he arrived at Dougie Mac, the difference was instant. He was treated with kindness, respect, and warmth. He was given peace. The staff didn’t just care for him they noticed the little things, like moisturising the tattoos on his arm. And for the first time in a long time, we were able to just be his family not his carers or his advocates just there with him.

We’re setting up this fundraiser because we believe hospices like Dougie Mac can and should be involved earlier. With more funding to offer education, respite care, emotional support, and early intervention, more families like ours might not have to reach crisis point before they find comfort. Sometimes it really is mind over matter and the earlier that support comes, the better the outcome could be.

If you’ve ever lost someone to cancer, or watched them struggle without the right support, you’ll understand why we feel so strongly about this.

Every donation will go directly to Dougie Mac to support their incredible work not just at the end, but hopefully sooner for others.

Thank you for reading, for donating, and for helping us honour our Dad’s memory in a way that could truly help others.

With love,

Dad’s Army ❤️

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🕊️ Funeral Details

Dad’s funeral will take place on:

Thursday 4th September at 11:00am

Christ Church, Hollington Road, Tean, ST10 4JY

Burial at the cemetery on Hollington Tean

Refreshments after at Greatwood Hall Tean

We are welcoming both flowers and donations in his memory to support Dougie Mac, whose compassion meant the world to us during his final days.