In May 2013, my 83 year old dad was perfectly well, except that he suddenly turned yellow.
He had jaundice, and the cause of his blocked bile duct was pancreatic cancer.
Given six months to live, or 12 with chemo, Dad chose weekly chemo straightaway, and in September a CT scan revealed the tumour was unchanged which was considered to be good news.
On Sunday 29th September 2013, still on weekly chemo, he set out from Nelstrop Road, Stockport on the Manchester Cycleway on his mountain bike
He cycled to Debdale Park for the first time since the diagnosis.
On the return leg he didn’t feel so good, so he walked the bike home. On Tuesday he couldn’t get warm, and on Wednesday he was taken to Stepping Hill hospital with a high temperature.
On Friday night 4th October 2013 he died with all his family around him. His final words to me were “Don’t stay. I’ll pull through. Go and have a pint.”
He’d never been an old man, and he’d never had to be helped anywhere. He was determined to cycle again, and I’m very lucky to have had him as a dad. I’m missing him terribly.
Cy Forrest 
I’m so sorry to hear your sad news, Ian. He sounds like a man of true spirit and determination, with his will to get on his bike. I’m sure his last words will always be on your mind, and hope you’ll keep following them.
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Sorry to hear about your Dad. I’m thinking about you and hope you and Caroline are coping as well as possible. Lots of love, Jess x
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Ian, your dad and my uncle was a great man. I will always remember his laugh and comments. Sadly missed but with great memories.Chin up, thinking of you, Caroline and family.
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Thank you, Adrian.
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