Our Journey began in October 2018 when my dad Ken Jones was diagnosed with terminal Oesophageal Cancer, chemo began in November 2018 and the road ahead was full of appointments, tests, and sadly discomfort for my dad. However it was a battle that he faced with bravery and determination to fight with everything he had.
Before the illness Dad was a hard working tradesman whom ran his own successful business for over 30 years, he was the kindest man who would help anyone, forever going above and beyond for customers and friends. Dad was just 66 Years old, a loving husband for 36 years to my mother Carol and a true family man who adored his two grandchildren Emelia and George who meant the world to him.
Mum slowly became dads carer, taking some leave from work she didn’t leave his side, she went above and beyond her love for him, in dads words she was “his Angel”. Since I was a little girl my dads dream was to one day walk me down the aisle, something I hoped would happen with my long term partner Andrew of 11 years. it always became something that we wanted to do but never got round to. Then when dad was diagnosed a few months later unbeknown to me Andy rang my dad and asked for his permission for my hand in marriage to which my dad replied “yes of course I couldn’t ask for a better man for my daughter” the moments that followed were some of the happiest times that ill forever treasure, we asked dad to pick the date, we chose the venue Langton’s House in Hornchurch Essex, as it was local for dad.
The wedding (25th August 2019) then became dads focus and goal it was all he would talk about and the sense of pride and happiness it gave him will stay with me forever. Sadly dad didn’t get to fulfil his goal as he lost his fight on 28th July 2019, surrounded by all those who loved him dearly, he will forever be remembered with love in our hearts and boots that can never be filled!
After laying dad to rest we had a family discussion about whether to go ahead or not but it was decided that dad would have wanted us to go ahead, it was also then decided that my mum would walk me down the aisle and that we would have a picture of dad on the table as we walked down, I also had a locket made that was attached to my bouquet which had a picture of dad and words that read “walk with me dad”. The day itself was beautiful it was the hottest day of the year, and full of nothing but love and happiness a lasting legacy for dad, one which I think he would be very proud of.
