It has been a whirlwind few months. Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in July and then secondary metastasis of this cancer in October. There is absolutely nothing that could have prepared us for the rapid aggressive nature of Dad's cancer. Even his medical team were shocked at how quickly he has been taken from us. It is hard to believe that he won't walk through the door again or that we won't hear his laugh.

Through this torrid time we have been so grateful for our friends and family. We also found the haven of Maggie's Cancer Centre which is located at Southampton General Hospital. Maggie's was the most incredible resource for us during Dad's cancer journey. We could go over to the centre, sit and have a cup of tea, talk to the simply amazing staff, ask them questions about his cancer, and just be in a safe place during the most turbulent time.

Dad himself fundraised for Maggie's. He chaired their fundraising committee and we know that he too loved the centre and everything it stood for in providing support to people and their families as they deal with cancer. In fact his very last visit to the outside world was to Maggie's where he enjoyed a cuppa with some friends just a week before he left us.

My Dad had the most impressive ability to champion important causes and to offer his unwavering support to them whenever they needed him. This time, he needed the Maggie's Centre, and we did too, and they were there.

Please don't send flowers or gift, please do what Dad would have done and make a donation to this beautiful Centre. I was lucky to speak to Dad about this, before he died, and he was clear how much he wanted this to happen. He said 'Do it, Rachey', and that's just what I'll do. Thank you.