Neil's Story
Neil's family visited the Lodge in April 2025.
Neil was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2018, just 6 weeks before the birth of our twins, Niamh and Samuel.
Niamh and Samuel were IVF babies, and were so desperately wanted. Neil was the proudest daddy and absolutely adored the twins, and they adored him.
He battled for just over 4 years, going through many rounds of treatment, and operations- many of which took place during Covid lockdowns so Neil faced many of his appointments alone. He really was the bravest of people and fought so desperately to live.
He passed away in August 2022, when Niamh and Samuel were 4. Having to tell them that Daddy had died was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. The looks of confusion and terror on their faces will stay with me forever.
Niamh and Samuel have been remarkable. We’ve had many sad times and difficult moments, but they have, with the help of some wonderful people, learnt to live with their grief.
A weekend in Bens lodge is going to be wonderful for us as a family to have time together to relax and create some new happy memories. Thank you so much for your generosity.