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As most of your know my Dad, Malcolm, fought oesophageal cancer for eight months this year.  Despite only being able to eat and drink through a nasal-gastric tube for most of this time, being catheterised for six months and then being told that his cancer was terminal, and that he had less than 12 months to live, he persevered and never gave up hope or good humour.

In August, we received the news from Glasgow Royal Infirmary that their second opinion on his prognosis was that they could operate on him to remove the tumour and on September 6th he underwent surgery which resulted in the removal of 50% of his stomach and 50% of his oesophagus.

After the most remarkable recovery in hospital he returned home 14 days after surgery where despite contracting, but overcoming, MRSA he was told in early October that the surgery had removed the cancer and that he required no further treatment.

Sadly, it was during a very routine post-operation procedure on 16th October, to remove a small medical device aimed at preventing blood clots during his surgery, that a large undetected blood clot in his pelvic area floated up into his lung and took his life.

My Dad was eternally grateful to the medical team in Glasgow, and in particular to his surgeon, Mr Grant Fullerton, for giving him his life back after the initial terminal progosis and allowing him the luxury of eating and drinking again after such a long time.  It meant that his final weeks with us, whilst unknowing to us, were filled with happiness, relief and hope.

The work done by Ochre is aimed at raising awareness of oesophageal cancer which is one of the fastest growing cancers in the UK and providing practical support to professionals like Mr Fullerton for conducting research into this terrible disease.

One of my Dad's many legacies will be that we, his family, continue to raise awareness of oesephageal cancer and help in any way those working tirelessely to detect and treat the disease so that more lives can be saved in the future.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your donation to this important cause.