Terry’s Last Wish

This is one of the most difficult things I think I’ll ever have to write about. Terry (or Tez as I knew him) was a truly devoted father to 2 beautiful girls, a committed & loving partner to my sister & the best brother-in-law, and friend, I could ever have hoped for. Tez found out he had alagille syndrome at age 20, after the birth of his daughter, whom also shares this condition. Aligille syndrome is a rare & often unheard of condition, which can cause a number of health problems, most predominantly affecting the liver. A year ago he became very ill and was diagnosed with late-stage cirrhosis. Whilst waiting to find out about the prognosis & treatment for this, Tez was given painkillers & sent for a scan. They saw shadows, which they believed could be either liver damage or cancer & so, they took a biopsy. Almost a year, and many calls to doctors, later & we still hadn’t received any news. A few months ago, Tez’s condition worsened & he became confined to his bed & forced to quit the job that he loved. My sister, and Tez’s loving partner of 12 years, Sian, took Tez to a&e numerous times but he was repeatedly sent away. As things got worse, my sister made more calls & found that not only had his scan results not been opened at all, but had been sent to the incorrect place. Finally he got an appointment with the specialist. Within a week he deteriorated further & again Sian took him to a&e. With his skin yellowing & his weight dropping, they finally admitted him. We felt relieved that he was finally receiving the help he needs so that he can get better. However, a week later we found out he had cancer. A few days after we learnt this had metastasised throughout his body & was no longer treatable. There was only one thing Tez wanted before he died; to make sure the love of his life & his children were looked after once he passed. We received the news on Monday 2nd & they were to be wed on the Friday 6th. After rushing to make arrangements & picking up rings on Wednesday 4th, Sian went to the hospital to see Tez, where he sadly passed away later that night. Tez kept strong for his family and was brave till the end. He is the bravest person we know. They unfortunately didn’t make it to their wedding day but Tez’s wish that they be looked after can still come true. After he passed, Sian and his 2 precious girls became homeless and are currently waiting to find somewhere they can settle & finally be able to grieve. In the meantime Sian is scraping together to pay for & organise the funeral all on her own, whilst learning how to be a new single mum. We are therefore kindly asking for donations to make Tez’s wish come true. To help his little family find their footing and begin heal & rebuild. Any donation would be welcomed & appreciated. Nothing meant more to Tez than those 2 precious girls and his saviour, soul mate and partner in crime.

Thank you