Saturday, 3 December 2011
The Fight will go on
I thought I would share this video with you-it was filmed in January 2010 at The Gathering, in Prestatyn. Andrew had seen his consultant the previous October who had confirmed what Andrew already knew - that he had MND- he gave Andrew 12 months to live. Andrew was guitar teching for Mike Peter`s from The Alarm at the time.
Mike, who having survived leukemia twice sang this song at the end of his concert inviting his local G.P. and consultant on stage [ that`s two guys on the left-the consultant is playing a red guitar ] he also asked Andrew to join them.
Andrew is on the extreme right with a white t-shirt on-plugging in the guitars at the beginning ,
Ann, Tim, Ned, Jonathan,Lucy and myself were there on the night clutching a home made banner-written on it was- we- love -Andy !! Our hearts were breaking- Ann and I- we cried and sang along and waved that banner and supported him all the way.
There have been so many wonderful tributes left on Andrew`s facebook wall -a lot from the people who worked along side him-some made me laugh and some made me cry-some with pictures I had never seen before-he looked happy -I know he use to say how much he loved his job and I know that some of his happiest times had been on tour with the Alarm.
Thank you for all the wonderful comments and messages of condolences -everyone has been so very kind -we have appreciated and read them all. One comment that has stuck in my mind ..... .. he was truly courageous man who lived a life completed early rather than a life cut short.
The fight to raise awareness carries on -I still have bands to sell.
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17 comments:
I was at that gig it was the one I was aiming for when my chemo finished so it was pretty special for me. That was the time I met Andy and the thing that struck me, have said it before and will say it again, is what brilliant good care he took of Mike, I have never ever seen anyone as professional as he was. I remember them going up on stage! Thats 2 lovely ppl off that stage gone and the world is alot sadder without them but happier for them having been in it x
I have worn my band for Andrew this weekend.
Just watched & listened to the video. Very cool that you have Andrew captured forever, doing one of the things he enjoyed most of all. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yes indeed Janet, Andrew had a life completed. He was a very fortunate man to have all of you as of course you were as well to have him in your lives. All the best,
Jim
Just wonderful to you to have this video and for all of us to see Andrew! thanks Janet
I have read the comments and tributes paid to Andrew and mentioned to John that through them, I feel like I have gotten a glimpse into the man that he was. Courageous and talented with a good sense of humor are the words I keep seeing, but I know there was so much more as he was someone who made a difference and brought an awareness of MND -- You're right, as a legacy and tribute to him, the fight to raise awareness must continue.
I have met Andrew through you and John and regret I live thousands of miles away and never knew him in person! I knew about ALS but had never heard of MND until learning about Andrew...thank you Janet and John for making me aware...your brothers life was definitely "a life completed early!"
Thank you for sharing the video with us, Janet, and the thought of a life completed early.
Janet, I just saw the news and wanted to come and tell you how truly sorry I am for your family's loss. You and John really brought Andrew to life for so many of us that never got a chance to meet him, and your commitment to making sure that his dying would leave a legacy of good for the world has been truly inspiring as well as a clear testament to how deeply you loved him. With all my heart I wish you strength and healing through the transition.
My deepest condolences,
Dia
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What a very special night that must have been Janet♥♥ You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Linda xxx
It was a night I will never ever forget Linda xxx
And thank you so much for your donation Linda -that was so very kind and generous of you. {{ hugs }} Jan xx
janet I have two more donations
one from the weaver of grass and another from a neighbour
Aww ! Isn`t that kind of them-thank you so much xx
I'm looking at Andrew's red band right now, and blowing a kiss skyward Janet. I lost my sister two years ago to cancer, so she gets them all the time but there's a special one for Andrew today. God Bless!
So sorry to hear about Andrew. Your family has been in our thoughts this week. You have provided a wonderful, loving network of support, and we hope you can draw strength from that, and the success of the appeal.
Take care of yourselves x
It's a wonderful eulogy and testament to a man who seemed to grab life by the horns. I am sorry for your loss (I came over from John's blog). I admire you for making sure your husbands wishes were met...not an easy thing to do. God bless him and you and your boy.
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