Please click the Team link "In memory of John Callaghan" just above this Story section, for charity options.

I have set up the team to enable donations to be sent in lieu of flowers to either OCHRE or The Shakespeare Hospice, in memory of dad.

Dad's story...

Dad went to the GP to investigate why he was feeling fatigued. He also noted a pain in his right shoulder blade however he had been helping with the gardening, lifting heavy slabs and planters so had attributed this to the strain of lifting. 

After having to insist on blood tests, results returned stating his Liver function was abnormal and he was referred to A&E. Dad was advised the results were most likely signs of Bile duct stones or gall bladder stones. 

After ultrasounds, MRI's and CT scans, dad was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer of the Gastro-Oesophageal junction with secondary metastases in the Liver. Dad received a terminal diagnosis. This was a massive blow to our family. The pain dad had in his right shoulder blade turned out to be referred pain from the Liver.

Unfortunately due to the extent of the Liver metastases, dad was not offered any treatment. It was only 6 weeks and 2 days from diagnosis to dad passing away. No time for him or us to process it all. 

Dad remained a pillar of strength. Due to Covid, he received this awful news on his own. He then gathered us all in a side room at the hospital to tell us all together. 

Dad being dad remained pragmatic and focused on putting his affairs in order, to make sure we were all looked after. He remained strong  and had a dignified death, at home, where he wanted to be, surrounded by his family.

Dad had longstanding issues with indigestion (Acid Reflux) due to a Hiatus Hernia. This was managed with medication. He was not diagnosed with GORD or Barrett's Oesophagus however with hindsight it is apparent he was at higher risk of developing cancer. 

Currently, there is no national screening program and little dedicated research into the cause and ways in which early diagnosis can be detected.

Oesophageal Cancer is often advanced by the time symptoms present which makes it harder to treat and unfortunately, even with intervention, the survival rate remains poor.

Dad spent his life helping others so it only seems fit to try to continue his legacy by raising money in his memory to help other families in similar situations and hopefully work towards better outcomes.

We have chosen to fund raise for OCHRE as they raise awareness of Oesophageal cancer symptoms in order to catch it early and enable more treatment options with hopefully better outcomes. They also provide information and support for patients and families.

Losing dad has left a massive hole in our lives but we feel strongly that his spirit lives on, to guide us and to play us up. He will be forever in our hearts, until we meet again... xxx

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.