Running for our dad
Last updated 11:35, Tuesday, 29 April 2008
FIFTEEN members of the “Downie clan” will be running Race for Life this year in tribute to an inspirational and loving family man who lost his battle with lung cancer last month.
Tommy Downie, of Carlisle, died on March 1, aged 63.
Sharon Boyd is one of his five daughters, who – along with his seven grand-daughters, wife Debby and his two daughters-in-law – have rallied round to pay tribute.
She said: “If he could see us he would be so proud.
“Our family is female dominated and we would say ‘dad you are always surrounded by women’ and he would reply ‘that’s not a bad thing lass!’
“We have a big family and he would call us the Downie Clan.”
Sharon added: “My dad wore his heart on his sleeve. He was never afraid to show his emotions and was always giving us kisses and cuddles.”
Tommy is survived by seven children including his five daughters; Denise, Debbie, Sharon, Tracey and Leanne, who are running the Race for Life and their two brothers Michael and Richard.
The hard-working former abattoir worker Tommy, who lived at Upperby, was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2007. Sharon said: “He was told it was terminal in March 2007. He took it in his stride.
“I think the hard part for him was telling his family because he knew how much he meant to us.
“To see someone that you love deteriorate the way he did was horrendous.
“But he never once complained – he was just that type of person.”
Tommy was treated with chemotherapy and radio therapy but it failed to tackle the cancer. He later made the brave decision to stop treatment and concentrate on living the last few months of this life to the full.
“My dad was a genuinely nice man – full of life and laughter,” said Sharon.
“He never lost his temper and he was great with his grand kids. He would act silly and entertain them.
“I miss him so much - its is still really raw.
She added: “Our lives are never going to be the same again, he was such a big part of us. The heart of the family is gone.”
“Everyone thought so much of him which is why we are all running together.
“I hope this will be the tribute he deserves.”
Are you taking part in Race for Life this year? Have you run before in celebration or in memory of a suffer or are you a cancer survivor yourself? We want to hear your story. Contact reporter Linzi Watson by email at lwatson@cngroup.co.uk or telephone 01228 612643.
To sign up for the event at the Sheepmount Stadium on Sunday July 13 visit www.raceforlife.org/northeast or call 08705 134314.
LWatson@cngroup.co.uk
