Today’s the day to celebrate our dads

It’s Father’s Day today and this week, while I’ve been out running, I have been reflecting on my relationship with my dad and my own kids.

My late father and I pretty much always lived round the corner from each other. I only have good memories of him when I was growing up and he encouraged me to do anything I wanted to.

Later, as an adult, I saw him regularly and would take him to watch the football every week.

He was always a supportive, wise sage when I had challenges in life and never judgmental.

I miss him, but felt nothing had been left unsaid when he died – which I guess is good.

I then think of my own children, Hayley, Ben and Ollie. I often hear people say that they want better for their kids than they had, but all I have ever wanted is for them to be as lucky as I was with my own dad.

What I have hated, though, is them being forced to share much of my incurable prostate cancer journey with me.

Let me tell you, that is a legacy no one wants to leave.

It hurts me deep inside to know that my kids, my wife Sarah and my dad, when he was alive, have had to deal with that.

So today, more than most, I feel grateful to have shared so much of my life with my father.

My kids probably will not get that opportunity so I am proud that my wife, children and I have had the opportunity to add messages on Prostate Cancer UK’S virtual ‘Dedication to Dad’ wall. I know we all found it cathartic to write a message.

You can too by visiting prostatecanceruk.org/ fathersday. Maybe write some words that you wish you had said or should say now before it’s too late. You don’t need to know anyone with prostate cancer to take part, so why not give it a go? Until next week, Kev