Paul Burton-Remembered with Love. The timing of Dad’s illness and my pregnancy resulted in the bitter-sweet paradox of life and death. We remained positive throughout his treatment in hospital knowing each round of chemotherapy brought us a month closer to remission, the birth and happier times. Sadly after a short illness, his cancer was terminal and he moved to St Wilfrid’s Hospice. I was 39 weeks pregnant, on the cusp of parenthood, about to lose one of the most important and vital people in my life. We faced the ultimate race against time. My daughter Poppy arrived safely and we got to Dad’s bedside within 14 hours for his long-awaited cuddles; her first weeks were Dad’s last with every moment entrenched in profound emotion. This all took place in his lovely room with the endless support of all the amazing staff. We arrived daily, in a sleep deprived haze with all the baby paraphernalia in tow! Dad hadn’t been well enough to be at home for the past 6 months so, the hospice allowed us to bring home to him. Met by relatives and friends we made his room his sanctuary. We sat for hours cherishing every single moment. We watched films, endlessly chatted sharing childhood memories, listened to music and had takeaways. The hospice became our home too. It always felt impossible to leave him so we were often tip-toeing out after midnight. Everybody at the hospice treated Dad with utmost respect and compassion. From eating like a king (he always loved his food) to lavender infused massages and garden view from his bed the holistic approach and relaxed atmosphere made those weeks more bearable. Staff went above and beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions. We weren’t alone; moments of shared emotion/mutual understanding between relatives visiting other patients were felt in the kitchen when making cups of tea to the knowing smile as you passed someone in the corridor. Each new day brought the nearness and inevitability of his death closer. I would sit holding Poppy in one arm and his hand in the other, with utter disbelief at the cruelty of the circumstances. Dad’s bravery and stoicism was unbelievable. He set himself two more goals his grandsons 1st birthday and his 56th, his sheer strength and determination saw that he reached them, passing away 3 days later. Dad was so central to all of our lives and loved by everyone who knew him. Over 300 people attended his funeral. Tragedy alters everything and as a family we have been riding the tidal wave of emotion ever since. We talk about him, remember him and have him in our lives everyday one way or another. We are determined his grandchildren will know all about their wonderful Grandad. We look back at his last weeks and feel overwhelming gratitude towards the hospice for everything they did for all of us. With £3000 raised so far we are determined to keep this total rising.