Family of ill dad out to create memories for daughter (From Thurrock Gazette)

Family of ill dad out to create memories for daughter

8:00am Saturday 29th September 2012 in News

THE family of a man given 18 months to live are raising money to create special memories for his two-year-old daughter.

Terry Barwick, 23, from Tilbury, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2010, aged just 21.

After intensive treatment, Terry was told in January he may have come through the worst of the condition, but in June the former Aveley School pupil fell ill again and was rediagnosed last month.

At that point he was told the tumour was aggressive and he only had 18 months to live.

Terry, who was working in warehouses before being diagnosed with the tumour, is worried his two-year-old daughter won’t remember him.

Now his family, including mother Terri Gowdy, 45, are trying to organise as many special trips for Terry and Caitlin as possible, with Terry’s sisters taking pictures so one day Caitlin can look back over fond memories of her time with her dad.

Terri, who lives with Terry in Tilbury, said: “He has some balance issues but apart from that he doesn’t look unwell.

“She’s too young to understand and in a way it can be a good thing, but Terry’s main concern is she’s not going to remember him.

“We want to try to take them to Disneyland Paris and do loads of days out.

“I still have trouble taking it all in. He has good days and bad days. It’s been an emotional roller coaster.”

A 1980s themed, family fundraising party has been organised at the Crown and Anchor, in Aveley. The event is spread over the weekend of October 20 and 21, from noon to 6pm each day.