The most amazing man in all the land, my father, Martyn McCormack, passed away on Tuesday 22nd October. 73 years old, with the wisdom and stories of a 100-year-old and the maturity of a teenager. I wouldn’t change that in any lifetime.

After receiving the surprising and harrowing diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer in August, our world as we knew it completely fell apart. But for all of you who knew my Dad well, he was a fighter and we still found laughter and joy every single day, even on the ones that really didn’t feel like there was much to smile about.

After some stalls with starting treatment, we received the confirmation of a distant spread to his liver last week. None of us imagined it would all happen so soon, and I can’t help but feel robbed of the time with my father and best friend. But, as I told him I’d take 29 years with him rather than infinite time with anyone else.

Things certainly don’t feel like they will ever be okay again. But, what brought me so much joy (and will continue to) is the immense love that everyone around my Dad had for him, the funny stories of his mischievous behaviour and the general silliness he brought to even the most mundane situations. He still had that quality right to the very end.

We listened to all his favourite songs as he left, and I know now that he will be reunited with so many lost friends, family members and our wonderful dog Romeo. He gripped my hand tighter as I reminded him of that during his last moments.