Additional Coverage:
- Dad, 38, felt ‘a bit under the weather’ – four months later he died from devastating cancer (irishstar.com)
Local dad Dean Stonehouse, 38, passed away just four months after a sudden Stage Four cancer diagnosis. His wife, Amy, described his initial symptoms last May as simply feeling “a bit under the weather.” His condition quickly worsened, leading to a collapse and the devastating diagnosis.
The family was shocked. Dean had no prior health issues, was active, and coached his daughters’ football team. Doctors were unable to find the primary source of the cancer, which made treatment more challenging.
Dean began treatment at Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch, where his daughters, Sophia and 11-year-old Leila, visited him. The hospital’s family room became a haven for the Stonehouses, providing comfort and a less intimidating environment than the ward.
Dean, always thinking of others, noticed the room could use some upgrades, particularly the outdated gaming system he used with his brother. He vowed to fundraise for new equipment if he recovered.
Sadly, Dean didn’t recover, but his family is fulfilling his wish. They’re organizing a climb up Pen-y-Fan, a family favorite, to raise money for the family room. Over 50 friends and family members will participate in the climb.
The new equipment will be transferable to the new Velindre hospital when it’s completed, and Dean’s daughters will help with the refurbishment. The family sees the fundraiser as a way to honor Dean’s memory and cope with their grief.
Amy continues to uphold family traditions, like buying her daughters single roses for Valentine’s Day, a gesture Dean always cherished. She acknowledges the difficulty of navigating life’s milestones without him, relying on support from family, friends, and the community.
Dean’s colleagues at Mon Motors have also been pillars of support. The family is determined to see Dean’s selfless wish come true.