My father had been having trouble swallowing for months and had been to his doctor were he was prescribed different medication for acid reflux and heartburn. None of these medications worked and eventually he was sent for an endoscopy. 

In April 2019, We received the devastating diagnosis that he had oesophageal  cancer. Further tests showed that his cancer was already at stage 4 and he was told that patients with stage 4 usually passed away within months. It all felt so unreal. Daddy felt in perfect health apart from the fact he was having trouble swallowing. I just didn’t believe he would be dead in months.  He was such a strong man. 

He had to undergo several severe rounds of chemotherapy to prolong his life. He fought so hard and he never once moaned about anything even though as the time went on he was in such pain and discomfort. Unfortunately the cancer began to spread and after a very brave fight he passed away in January 2020 at 61 years of age just 8 months after diagnosis! 

I am running the Belfast city marathon in memory of my brave Daddy, who has left the biggest whole in our family and who we all miss so much,  to raise money for life saving research and very importantly to raise awareness of Oesophageal cancer. I had never heard of oesophageal before my daddy was diagnosed with it. I wish we had all known that trouble swallowing is a symptom of oesophageal cancer as if this had have been checked out sooner my father might still be here. The 10 year survival rate of oesophageal cancer is extremely low - only 12%. Please don’t write off or ignore persistent heartburn or any swallowing issues. Get to the doctors at once and ask for tests straight away as there is no time to waste. Early detection is so important in fighting it. 

Love you forever Daddy and I hope you are going to help me get round this marathon!! Xx