On March 16th my Dad felt unwell. Initially, we thought it could be covid. But as the weeks rolled on with no improvement to his health, he had to be admitted to hospital. A few days later and after various tests, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver. As you can imagine, this news hit us like a train. The hospital needed to fit him with a stent to relieve a blockage in his gall bladder and he was later released from hospital. We were so thankful to have him back home. 

A few days passed and it became clear my dad was very unwell. He was re admitted to the hospital and subsequently diagnosed with sepsis. He spent another three weeks in hospital and fought the sepsis day in, day out, against a backdrop of aggressive cancer. My dad, as expected, remained positive and stoic throughout, even during the days when his life hung in the balance. He was finally discharged and returned home to my mum, myself and my brother, who had returned from New Zealand to spend the final weeks with our dad. 

Each day my dad fought harder than you can imagine. We cared for him in the best way we could, by surrounding him with our love. After a few weeks had past, it became obvious that he needed specialist care to assist him in the final days of his life and 10 days ago he was admitted to the Trinity Hospice in Bispham. Whatever your thoughts and fears are on death, the Trinity almost spin them on their head. They provide care and support that can only be described as above and beyond. They were more like close friends to my Dad, than they were nurses. He built up a rapport with them, had a laugh, and still managed to smile for as long as he could. This really was a place like no other and a place that will be forever in our debt. 

My Dad fought the toughest fight of his life, but after 4 months of fighting he eventually succumbed to this awful disease at 12:10am this morning. To say were devastated doesn't come close, but we are just thankful that he was a part of our life. He was an incredible husband, brother, uncle, grandad and the best father I could have ever wished for. He will leave a void that can never be filled, but I'm so proud to have had him as my dad. 

For those who knew my dad, I'm sure you will agree that he was a gentle, selfless man who would do anything for others. He was a huge part of Sunday football around Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, dedicating his time as both Chairman and Manager at Blackpool Rangers, before guiding the lads to the open age league and what eventually became Layton Institute. Football was his passion and he did everything in his power to allow as many people as he could to enjoy the laughs and camaraderie that comes with the game.

Before his passing, my Dad made it clear just how amazing both the NHS and Trinity Hospice have been, but especially the loving care that was provided by the hospice in his final few days. The Trinity are only partially funded by the NHS (30% I believe) with the rest coming from donations. Due to covid, fundraising has been hit hard and we must do everything we can to help them, because at one point they may be helping you or your loved ones, and guiding you through the final days of life in the only way they know how; full of love, affection and bags of dignity. 

So if you knew my Dad, or even if you didn't (maybe he was your friend, helped your son become a bricklayer through his job at the college, enriched your life through football, or maybe a hospice in the UK have supported you or your loved ones during their darkest hour), all I ask is for you to donate as much or as little as you can to Trinity Hospice, and it goes without saying, they will be getting every penny raised. Also, please feel free to share this post with anybody who knew my Dad.  

One day, in some form or another, you may need them. And when you need them, they will be there and will do everything they can to make such a difficult time, slightly more bearable. Finally, have a drink tonight for my Dad, Graham Mawdsley, the legend. X