Sharing memories of happy-go-lucky dad
Rebecca Bennett misses hearing her dad’s mobile phone ringtone which used to make her smile – the signature tune for Tranmere Rovers football club.
However, she hopes memories of her happy-go-lucky football fan dad can be kept alive forever with a memory page raising money for life-saving research.
Her dad David, 48, died last year at the height of Covid which meant the large extended family could not get together for his funeral.
Instead, they hope that sharing memories and raising money for a cause close to their heart can help bring comfort.
Dad wanted to make a difference
Rebecca, 22, said: “Dad supported Tranmere Rovers all his life and also supported Kidney Research UK as he wanted to make a difference for other people like him.
“Dad was waiting for another kidney transplant and on dialysis, when Covid hit, and he was told to shield.
“When the first lockdown was lifted and those shielding were told it was ok for them to go out, he went on holiday with his family.
“Unfortunately, while on holiday he picked up an infection, and sadly, unlike previous infections where he could fight them off, this one was too much for him.”
David went into intensive care and only his wife Mandy and his daughter Hannah were allowed to visit. This was heart-breaking as they are a close family, who enjoy getting together.
Always a happy chappy
“Covid prevented us from visiting him in hospital or getting together for the funeral or to support each other. It’s been so hard,” Rebecca said.
David suffered kidney problems since he was a young child and had a kidney transplant at the age of 10.
“He was a really happy chappy, always had a smile on his face even through all of his pain, his dialysis, and operations for his other conditions.”
David suffered angina, lung problems exacerbated by severe asthma and lymphedema. He also dealt with a lot of side effects due to all the medication he was on.
After he died in September the family set up tribute fund page and also held a Facebook fundraiser – Sunday Funday – where they played online games and got friends and family involved to raise money.
“It’s a pleasure to raise money for Kidney Research UK in his memory. It's our family’s way of saying thank you for working to one day find a cure for this awful disease.”
Keeping the memory of a loved one alive through fundraising is a great way to commemorate their life. Find out more by following the link.
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