Stephen Howe

Hi, my name is Stephen Howe. Recently I was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Essentially I have pancreatic cancer (Stage 4) that has spread to my liver. At the age of 45 I guess I niavely lived my blessed life not planning on the fact I might need to plan for my own funeral and what I am going to leave behind for my family to deal with!

For those who don't know me I have had the immense fortune of living my life with my soulmate and wife Jacqui who gave me 3 beautiful step children (Natasha, Hannah and Jamie) whom I'm so wildly proud of who accepted me and allowed me into their hearts.

And 2 children of our own whom I have been fortunate to see them flourish into young adults, my beautiful and talented daughter Ellie-Rose (22) and my amazing and intelligent son Alfie (18).

When I was told about my cancer my world initially fell apart. All too often we (well me at least) we see or hear these things but little did I ever think it might be me one day. I've come to terms with it and in my own way. Its not a simple or easy process, there is no book or manual.

However I am abundantly grateful for the unwavering support and tireless love of my wife and soulmate Jacqui.

I have never been one for asking for help myself but at this time I feel it important to focus on what I need to plan for when I pass, and all I want is to ensure that I do not leave my beautiful wife and family with any burden.

Any donations or sharing is very much welcome if anything life has taught me upto this point is to live without regret and to cherish every moment no matter how small they may be.

For my funeral I have opted for a simple affair, I used wish to be buried as I believe in giving back my body to the ground and mother nature for her own intention however I feel now a cremation and a straight forward ashes burial at a local cemetery in Willingdon would be a cost effective and less impactful way of giving my family somewhere to visit but unfortunately what I never anticipated was that even the most simple things concerned around this are still costly.