Steve’s story
Steve was a very kind, caring, considerate and passionate man, he lived by the rule live, laugh and love. Live every moment, laugh every day and love beyond words and he continued in this way throughout all the tough times. He was a very determined man and always showed great commitment to his work, he was a wonderful father to his daughter India and son Oscar and he was also very fit and healthy and enjoyed playing golf and cycling.
Steve was diagnosed in February 2011. He had been experiencing headaches for several weeks and decided to visit his GP. He was advised that he had a sinus infection and given a nasal spray but this had no positive effect. After another two visits and a dose of antibiotics the doctor decided to carry out a neurological examination. This highlighted that one side of Steve’s body was not reacting as it should do, he sent Steve direct to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for an MRI Scan. Several hours later we were taken into a side room, at which point we knew it would be bad news.
“Steve passed away on the 12th July 2013 at the young age of 43. He was so brave and made all those who knew and loved him very proud. He will never be forgotten and will forever be in our hearts”
Nothing can prepare you for hearing such devastating news but Steve was so brave and refused to let it beat him. Four days later Steve had his first operation and shortly after we were advised that the tumour was a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme. Steve was given a prognosis of two years maximum. Despite all of this he was back at work within three weeks of his operation. He underwent six weeks of radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy, during which time he took no time off work, completed the 26 mile London Bikeathon and walked/climbed numerous hills whilst on a break in Scotland.
Steve’s first visit with the oncologist after completion of his treatment was very positive and it was confirmed that the tumour had gone. We decided that the best way to fight the cancer was to always plan for the future. We booked holidays months in advance, were married in Scotland in March 2012 and later on that year had a wonderful honeymoon in Italy. It was whilst we were in Italy that Steve started to get headaches again and once we returned to the UK it was confirmed that the tumour had returned. Steve had his second operation in August 2012 and then began another course of chemotherapy shortly after. Meanwhile I had been fortunate enough to have fallen pregnant and we were looking forward to starting a family together. Just a few months after starting the treatment Steve was advised that the tumour was back again and the chemotherapy had not been successful at keeping the cancer at bay. Steve changed to a different type of chemotherapy but within a couple of months it was clear that this was not working either. Our beautiful baby Oscar was born in May 2013 – Steve was there to see Oscar born and I will never forget the proud look on his face when he first laid eyes on him. Less than a month later the decision was made to stop Steve’s treatment.
Steve passed away on the 12th July 2013 at the young age of 43. He was so brave and made all those who knew and loved him very proud. He will never be forgotten and will forever be in our hearts.