Tribute to my Dad, Daryl ~ by Zak

Daryl was just 50 when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and passed away in May 2021. His son, Zak, has since upheld his legacy, fundraising for Penny Brohn UK who supported his Dad and Mum, Tracey, while they were navigating his cancer diagnosis. Zak shared this tribute to his Dad with us ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday.

Everybody has that person they admire most, and the person I admired most was my late dad, Daryl James Dugdale or ‘Dazzerman’, who passed away in May 2021. He left a big hole in my family’s heart.

My dad had a great personality; he was a strong and intelligent man. I admired his overwhelming love for his children, friends and his family, especially how he loved my mum. He treated her with such love and respect; he loved her unconditionally and made her so happy. I want to follow in his footsteps.

He was very politically aware, supported everyone with respect and spent his time seeking to fight social injustice. He worked hard as a social worker, and then a lecturer, balancing his career and caring for us while also making time for football and festivals. My dad loved a dance, loved a red wine and loved running.

He was the life and soul of any gathering and made time to include everyone in any group. He was only 50 when he was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer. He stayed strong as we all struggled with his diagnosis and his strength was firm during these challenging times.

He purchased a campervan and travelled Europe – putting two fingers up to cancer along the way!

My Dad worked as hard as possible to ensure that his health was as good as it could possibly be, and he and mum engaged with Penny Brohn UK to help with this. They went on several retreats held at the Penny Brohn UK National Centre in Pill, where they embraced the whole mind and body approach to fight his cancer. He never complained as long as we were okay and happy – he didn’t want us to worry about his health.

My Dad’s health deteriorated and gradually his body lost its strength. But he made sure that we knew how important we were to him. He shared an exceptional bond with me and my sister, as his son and daughter, and gave us unconditional love.

Collectively, we’ve raised over £7,000 (and counting) for Penny Brohn UK over the years, both as a family with my dad before he died and in memory of him since then. Dad held a charity auction in 2017 before he and Mum travelled around Europe, and we danced as we raised over £2,800. Our friends have joined in, hosting a Bowie themed night in honour of Penny Brohn UK. We walked the coastal path as a family since Dad died and held a ‘Dancing for Dazzer’ party – getting everyone up on the dance floor in the way he would’ve wanted! I’ve held 3 charity football sweepstakes during various tournaments, with one at the moment for the upcoming EURO 2024, continuing Dad’s tradition and love of football, and this July I’ll be taking on my biggest challenge to date; climbing the three peaks. (visit Zak’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/team/zakandalfie)

I know he would be so proud of what we have been able to do. He was supported by them throughout his diagnosis and he wanted us to continue to raise awareness of their services so that others on a cancer journey could benefit from their holistic approach.

I find it hard at time’s like this (with Father’s Day coming up) but I try to surround myself with the people I love, like my wife and my family. We talk about Dad often, we may eat or drink together and share memories. I visit my dad’s grave for reflection. I listen to his favourite music or films.

I miss my Dad. He was not only my Father, but my guardian and friend. But he still guides me when I need it. Every event we do is to remember my dad – the three peaks will be a challenge, but nothing like the challenge my Dad faced fighting cancer. Every party we hold for the charity reminds us of dad’s zest for life. I know he would be proud and I will always continue to hold events to remember him.

Zak and the family have created a Tribute Fund in memory of Daryl, a place where friends and family can come together to remember him and share memories, photos and messages. If you would like to leave a message for Daryl, you can visit his page by following the button below.

We’d like to thank Zak for sharing their experience. The words used are preferred by Zak. Penny Brohn UK encourages everyone to use their own words to tell their story. If you have any questions about any of the language used, please email comms@pennybrohn.org.uk.