Former High Peak woman to take on Derbyshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of her dad

Alan Casey was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in November last year and died the following month, aged 70, after the disease spread to his liver and lymph nodes.

The grandfather of six, who ran his own business until the month before his diagnosis, was able to fulfil his wish of dying at home with his close family by his side with help from staff at Ashgate.

His daughter, Michelle Casey who now lives in Manchester, is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge this summer to help raise money for the hospice and fund care for future families who require the same support and care her dad received.

“Ashgate’s services were just outstanding,” she said.

“They enabled dad to come home so mum, my sister and I could spend time with him whilst the Ashgate team cared for him.

“The hospice provided us with all the equipment he needed - from a hospital bed to things to help with bathing and walking aids, which all made him much more settled.”

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The 48-year-old, who works for British Airways, will return to Derbyshire in July to complete the trek up Bleaklow Head, Black Hill, and Kinder Scout.

So far, Michelle has raised more than £400 for Ashgate Hospicecare but says she is determined to increase the figure to at least £500.

She added: “Dad was a funny caring and proud man; he was always helping others in whatever way he could and loved having a laugh with his six grandchildren.

“I chose to do the Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge as I wanted to give something back to Ashgate after the fantastic support they gave him at the end of his life.

“If I am honest, I did not really give much thought to hospice care before dad became ill, I imagined them to be sad places but the whole team were outstanding; nothing was ever too much trouble.

"Everyone made what was a very emotional and sad time a little bit easier for my family.”

The hospice is urging others from across the county and beyond to join Michelle and dozens of others to take on the Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge on July 18.

Fundraising manager at Ashgate Hospicecare Carl Jones commented: “It’s amazing that Michelle has chosen to take on the Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge this summer in memory of her dad Alan.

“Without people like Michelle choosing to support Ashgate we wouldn’t be able to support the families who need our care.

“You can join her and our other fundraising heroes on the Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge this summer.

"Not only will you be helping fund our vital care but it’s a great opportunity to get out and experience some of the most beautiful countryside Derbyshire has to offer!”

For more information go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events/derbyshire-three-peaks-challenge/ or email [email protected].

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