This is my brother Hakan. 

He lost his battle with cancer on May 11th 2021 at the age of 51.

In March 2021, we had the terrible news that Hakan had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. We initially thought we would have 4 to 5 years with him from the diagnosis and whilst still trying to come to terms with the news, the first treatments failed. At the end of April 2021, he left his home for the last time to stay at St Francis Hospital so he may die with dignity. 

St Francis Hospice made Hakan's last days as comfortable as they could, giving him incredible amounts of round the clock care. My brother did not wish to die in his home and leave a ghost behind. 

For me, the pain of losing my brother will never leave me. He is 11 months older and the person that was beside me from my earliest memory. It feels like a part of me has been torn away and will never return. We grew up like twins, always active together until life gave us new paths to lead when we became men. I am eternally grateful to St Francis Hospice as I was able to see him in neutral grounds before he slipped away. I will never forget those last words 'I'm dying Erk' in our conversation before he had to be heavily sedated, it was shouted in a state of desperation, anger and loss.. but at least he said those words to me. 

Here are a few words from the hospice as to what your donation will bring them. 

Saint Francis hospice is one of the Largest Adult Hospices in the UK. Saint Francis Hospice (SFH) is committed to helping patients and their families in the catchment areas of Havering, Brentwood, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and parts of West Essex affected by any life-limiting illness, and ensuring they receive excellent person-centred care when they need it, ideally in a place of their choosing. With only 23% of funding coming from the government… Every penny you donate will help the patients and families that need the care that is provided by the SFH nurses and care team. Over 1700 people every year are supported by Saint Francis Hospice and your support to my page will help SFH to continue this vital work. When you break down what the money donated does… ITS AMAZING! £5 or £10 can pay for a patient meal, £25.25 pays for one hour of specialist care on the wards and £54 pays for a Hospice at home nurse to go and support a patient with the same level of care just in the comforts of their own home. If you wish to hear any more information about what Saint Francis Hospice do please go to www.sfh.org.uk or call 01708 753319. Thank you in advance for your support!

So far, as a family, we have raised close to £8000 for SFH, please help me to help those that wish to die in dignity as my brother did. 

On May 6th 2023, I will cycle at least 51 miles around Grafham Water in memory of the age he past away - which equates to roughly 6 laps around the Grafham Water trail. Please do support me in my challenge. All donations go directly to SFH. 

On October 21st 2023, I will cycle another 51 miles in memory of my brother's birthday. He would have been 54 on the 17th October. 

No one wishes anyone to die in such a way.. but it still happens today. I and St Francis Hospice thank you for your support.