Remembering Des

Tuesday, 14 September 2021
Remembering Des
This year, Jan Pointon and her daughters Denise and Joanne will be dedicating a light in memory of Des, their much loved husband and dad. They have kindly shared their story with us:
 
Jan and Des were childhood sweethearts who met at their local youth club in Fitzwilliam. Des was 17 and Jan 15, and despite living in the same village they didn’t know each other until that first meeting.

Almost three years later they married and went on to have two daughters – Denise and Joanne. The family describe Des as being hilarious and have many funny stories to tell about their times together.

He was a true family man and had a real passion and zest for life.They also told us that he was a very proud man, who would do anything for anyone.
 
In January of 2019 the family were devastated to learn that Des had kidney cancer which had already spread to his spine, lungs and brain.

Denise said “The short time between January and April was the most awful time because we knew we were going to lose him, but we made the very most of the time we had, enjoying special family time together.  We will treasure the memories of those last few months."
 
In April, Des was admitted to the Hospice. Jan said it was an amazing place. When asked what made it amazing, she quite simply replied “people”.
 
“It’s a wonderful place. It makes the worst time of your life as easy as possible. It takes the weight off your shoulders. All the people are exceptional. They are all amazing and I take my hat off to them.”
 
The family took part in Light up a Life in 2019 and 2020. Speaking about the service, Jan said, “It was very comforting, and it was nice to remember with other people, although it still felt very personal. It was nice for us, knowing all those people were in the same boat. We made it a celebration of Des.”
 
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