Tributes paid to Race4Men founder Derrick Daley from Kingsholm
A TRUE hero and inspiration to all who knew him, Race4Men founder Derrick Daley has lost his long battle with cancer.
Derrick, 65, was a familiar face in Gloucester thanks to his countless hours of fundraising and campaigning to raise awareness of cancer in men.
In 2011, the grandfather to five from Kingsholm was awarded the Citizen-backed Brave Heart Hero award to recognise his vast achievements.
He raised £15,000 for cancer charities that year and ran the 5km race himself, despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy to fight bowel cancer.
A video tribute to Derrick:
His daughter Jo said his loss will leave a gaping hole in the family, and the community.
"My dad was a hero to so many people, he was too good for this world," she said.
"He raised so much awareness of cancer through Race4Men and was an inspiration to so many people with the way he dealt with what he was going through. His grandchildren will remember him for everything he has left them with, the knowledge and love that he gave them."
Breakfast radio host Warren Moore from Heart FM knew Derrick through his fundraising efforts and became a friend.
He said: "Writing a tribute to Derrick Daley is like being the guy who has to go on after The Beatles – how do you follow that?
"I first met Derrick exactly three years ago this week. He was doing what he did best – helping others for our Have a Heart charity.
"Little did I know three years later I'd be crying like a baby in an on air studio because a man who was a father figure to me had passed away.
"You don't cry for long though because Derrick has left memories that somehow always end up in laughter.
"Thank you for giving me the pleasure of three years of your friendship Derrick.
"You made me cry with laughter, sing, dance, learn, care for others and above all you made me a better person.
"All men die, but not all men live and Derrick wrote the book on living."
To find out more about this year's race, go to www.race4menglos.co.uk.
2 Comments
by andy123
Thursday, March 07 2013, 8:25PM
“Have just watched the video with tears in my eyes.the word legend is used much too often nowadays but pops,thats what you were"A LEGEND"
You gave us strength...You gave us laughter...But most of all you gave us your smile.
God bless you pops till we meet again. And remember...
"MAY YOU BE IN HEAVEN AN HOUR BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOUR DEAD"
Slainte: Your son Andrew.”
by R_Brockie
Thursday, March 07 2013, 11:03AM
“Derrick was a hugely inspirational man. Even though he was fighting cancer himself, he spent so much of his time trying to increase people's awareness of cancer, encouraging that individuals seek early medical advice when things aren't right, and raising funds for Cancer Research UK's work. Sharing the charity's vision, to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured, he became the Chair of the Gloucester Local Committee, and his driving force ensured the successful establishment of the Race4Men event in Gloucester.
I personally only knew and worked alongside Derrick for less than a year, but I was struck by his positivity, his radiant smile, and his constant care and consideration for others. He made a difference. Derrick will be greatly missed, by all at Cancer Research UK who had the privilege to know him. Our thoughts go out to his family.
Rachel Brockie, Area Volunteer Manager, Cancer Research UK
http://tinyurl.com/ba8862q
Gloucester Local Committee – Race4Men Facebook Page: Race 4 Men Gloucestershire”