Pregnant mum’s tribute to ‘selfless’ husband
A pregnant mum has paid tribute to her ‘selfless’ husband who died just over two weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Phil Hawthorne, a youth worker at Ayr’s Room Sixty, was diagnosed with bowel cancer after experiencing back pain.
The 36-year-old was given the devastating news at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Renfrewshire just 10 days before Christmas, on December 15, 2021.
Tragically, Phil’s cancer was too advanced and doctors were unable to treat him.
Phil, who married his sweetheart Ruth just under five years ago, died just over two weeks after his diagnosis, on December 30.
Wife Ruth, who is also mum to their two-year-old son Lewis, is expecting their daughter in March.
She said: “There was peace there, I think the cancer was just too far along for us to even think about him being on earth, it was just better for him to go.”
A fundraiser has now been launched in Phil’s memory for Room Sixty, a youth initiative with Newton Wallacetown Church of Scotland in Ayr. Phil, who excelled at rugby, had been a youth worker there since 2014 and passionate about helping others.
Ruth explains Phil, who suffered from ulcerative colitis, had gotten a new lease of life in 2013 when he had a stoma bag fitted. She says he was determined to ‘give back’. “He was so selfless,” she said. “He had a special gift of speaking to people, young and old. He would just make you feel like you were so important, which was such a special gift to have. To some people, being a youth worker is just a job but he gave it his all. It was part of his life, just to help people. That shows because there were so many tributes, it shows the type of person he was.”
The money raised will go back into funding
the work Phil was passionate about. Room Sixty also hopes to set up a yearly award for one child in memory of the much-loved dad. Ruth added: “He was just an amazing guy. “He was a big brother for many of the children, any of the decisions they had to make, he would be there for them. He will be so missed, especially for the kids down in Room Sixty.”
Room Sixty said on social media: “Our thoughts and especially our prayers are with his wife Ruth, wee Lewis and their families.”
Ayr’s Newton Primary School staff on social media posted: “Forever part of our family at Newton Primary School. We are thankful for everything this kind man has done for our school and our children.
Phil was buried at Neilston Cemetery, lastFriday, followed by a celebration of his life at the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew.