I'm hurting and don't mind admitting I'm crying my eyes out......

[cashman]

just got back tonight, read all of it,for once i'm speechless, keep yer chin up mate, know were yer at, its a bitch, you know where i am if you need.cashy.

[ANNE]

Ah, Bless. You will miss him so much. But he's at peace now, his work here is done.
Take care. Thinking of you. xx

[garinda]

Very sorry Ian.

[mez]

im very sorry ian . my thoughts are with you & dave's family too r.i.p dave.

[LancYorkYankee]

Originally Posted by fireman

For the last 4 days I have been visiting my best mate in hospital... \\\\\\he is dying of cancer aged 63. He has fought right to the end , never moaned in spight of terrible problems including 3 bags draining his kidneys and bladder3 weeks ago we went to the theatre in manchester ...we both really enjoyed it, we had a pint first and walked, albeit slowly along Deansgate on a lovely warm evening and life even for him. he said felt good. His wife died this year aged 59.fron leukemia and he has never even moaned or grumbled that he has had the rough end of the stick. Now he lies in Fairfield hospiatal fighting for what bit of life he has left. Today he enjoyed 3 teaspoons of rice pudding and half a cup of beer.... He smiled and licked his lips. He knows he is dying and even though he has no bad word to say. I leaned close to him as i left today (probably for the last time) and told him he was special and a great pal. His reply was "See you pal" and in his eyes ("can you not help me pal") I have never seen dignity like I have seen over the last few days. Dave was a senior officer in Greater Manchester fire service along with myself. he has unselfishly saved more lives than i can count and at his final moment he retains his dignity and privacy. What a man. I hope when my time comes if it is that it is to be dragged out like This. that I can show the dignity and respect that my mate has shown. God bless you pal, and I wish I could have been of some help to you. BUT THE LAW OF THIS BLOODY SILLY COUNTRY WONT LET ME. Love you Dave and everything you did for me and the public of Greater Manchester in General, You will be dearly missed.... Your Pal Ian.

Hey Ian, my condolences on your loss. After reading your very first post, I wanted to write the following but didn't want to put extra pressure of any sorts on you. I feel I can now share this.

My Grampa Hall and his brother-in-law, Jim McNab, were the best of friends. They met in the US in the 1930's, one from Lancashire the other from Scotland, both still settling into their new country.

They were the best of friends until Uncle Jim developed cancer in the late 1960s, just a bit after my Nana Hall had died. I was still fairly young but understood that me Grandad's best friend was dying. I'm not sure of the timeframe but remember me Mum telling us one day that Uncle Jim had died in the hospital. Grampa Hall "had pulled the plug."

I really couldn't understand or comprehend this. I began understanding the incredible turmoil he must have been going through to carry out this act of love. Not quite sure how this "fit" into the laws against this in the US but I guess he figured ****** the consequences knowing my granddad.

Ian, I didn't wish to write this prior because of the terrible pain you were in. Also didn't want you to do something you may later have regretted. I merely write to lend support, from my granddad's experience, of how incredibly difficult it must be to lose such a long-loved mate!

I again weep for your loss!

Brian

[fireman]

Thanks Brian for your thoughts . Your Grandpa was a true friend indeed. Ian.

[Margaret Pilkington]

Heartfelt condolences Ian. Your dear friend is suffering no more and is reunited with his wife. Remember the good times and rejoice that you had such a strong friendship.

[CASPER]

So sorry for your loss, Freindship like yours is special, it cannot die. R.I.P. Dave

[grego]

Sorry to read about your loss Fireman, take care xx