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Louise Read with her son Tom are hoping for widespread support for a Loch Ness fundraising challenge in July
FRIENDS and relatives of a much-loved dad who died of mouth cancer are set for an emotional trip to Scotland to help Bury Hospice in his memory.
David Read, of Albert Drive, Whitefield, was aged 35 when he died on New Year's Eve 2006 and so far, 66 pals have signed up for the July fundraising journey to Loch Ness.
Once there, some of the supporters will take to the loch to live out David's dream - canoeing an incredible 22 miles from end to end, while others walk or cycle around the renowned tourist attraction.
The event is being organised by his widow Louise (39), who said she wants to repay the services the hospice provided in David's hour of need, by raising £20,000 for the facility.
"They were absolutely amazing with him. Nothing was too much trouble and the treatment and support David got was superb. I will be forever grateful to the doctors and nurses there," said Louise.
The couple married in July 2004 and wildlife enthusiast David moved to the North West from Oxford, where he had been studying a primate conservation wildlife-related course.
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He started work at an Oldham primary school and life was good for the newly-weds until that December when David started to suffer mouth pains.
Louise said: "Everything was perfect and then he got an ulcer that just wouldn't go away. Eventually he was diagnosed and it was just a horrible feeling for both of us."
David, Tom and Louise Read
David began to have radiotherapy treatment and, thanks to his bravery, managed to continue with his professional and family life.
The couple then got some fantastic news in June 2005 when Louise became pregnant with Tom, who is now aged one. But things took a turn for the worst five months later when David's condition worsened.
"That was when he was first admitted to Bury Hospice," said Louise. "He was suffering quite a lot though it was hard to tell whether it was due to the chemotherapy or the cancer. Never did he stop battling though. He just always wanted to be strong and get on with his life as normal as possible."
Despite his determination, David's condition deteriorated and it reached the stage, Louise said, where the treatment was no longer proving effective.
Then in June 2006, when Tom was four months old, the family went on an emotional trip to the banks of the Loch Ness.
Louise said: "For Tom to enjoy that time with his dad was amazing. I will never forget it. It was a very special time and made David determined to canoe across the loch when he regained his strength so he could raise money for the hospice.
But tragically, David never got to realise his dream. He died on December 31, 2006.
"I wanted to do this challenge because it was David's wish. He was the kind of person who touched the lives of everyone he met. The hospice gets very little financial help from outside groups and relies almost completely on donations from the community," said Louise.
Ten per cent of the cash raised will go to Bury Cancer Support Centre, while anyone wanting to take part in the event or sponsor those taking part can log on to www.pedalandpaddle.co.uk
Louise is also appealing for donations from local businesses to be used to set up the event. Anyone who can help can email the organisers via the website.
Posted by: mavis gasse, manchester on 6:13pm Fri 8 Feb 08
A very worthy cause.David a lovely lovely man--a loving husband to Louise nd a loving dad to Tom.Sadly taken from his loving family and friends.He would be so delighted that Louise is attempting to carry on his dream and there are lots of us out here wishing her GOOD LUCK.She is so brave!Although I may not be able to be there on your week end Louise you know you have my supportLots of love MavisXX
A very worthy cause.David a lovely lovely man--a loving husband to Louise nd a loving dad to Tom.Sadly taken from his loving family and friends.He would be so delighted that Louise is attempting to carry on his dream and there are lots of us out here wishing her GOOD LUCK.She is so brave!Although I may not be able to be there on your week end Louise you know you have my supportLots of love MavisXX
Posted by: James Pelham, Stockport on 12:49am Thu 21 Feb 08
The fact that Louise has the amazing vision to carry this whole thing out can be attributed in part to David's amazing vision for the world. It proves to me that whatever our beliefs about the afterlife, our friends and family can live on if we choose to carry on their spirit. Louise is also an especially inspiring person, never being defeated by the multitude of difficulties that life throws at all of us. Please support this event, even if only mentioning it to a friend. Thanks.
The fact that Louise has the amazing vision to carry this whole thing out can be attributed in part to David's amazing vision for the world. It proves to me that whatever our beliefs about the afterlife, our friends and family can live on if we choose to carry on their spirit. Louise is also an especially inspiring person, never being defeated by the multitude of difficulties that life throws at all of us. Please support this event, even if only mentioning it to a friend. Thanks.
I think that Louise is amazing to do this for David and i thought that the newspaper interview was just lovely, i can't wait to do The David Read Loch Ness Challenge in memory of my lovely uncle!
I think that Louise is amazing to do this for David and i thought that the newspaper interview was just lovely, i can't wait to do The David Read Loch Ness Challenge in memory of my lovely uncle!
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