Devastated Leeds dad raising nine month old son solo after wife dies gives back to 'angels on earth'

David Baxter with his son Franco
-Credit: (Image: Sue Ryder)


A Leeds dad forced to raise his nine month old son after his wife died of cancer is giving back to "the angels on earth" that helped them through the toughest of times.

David Baxter, from Guiseley, was left to raise their son Franco. His late wife Lucia was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2019, passing away in the August that year. It was six-months from diagnosis to losing his wife and David says Lucia would be looking over the pair of them "massively proud".

She spent her final days in Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. David, along with Franco, now five, have signed up to the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike in Leeds as they've said the level of care Lucia received was 'brilliant'.

READ MORE:Leeds man felt unusually tired after family wedding - his GP told him to go straight to A&E

READ MORE:Heartbreaking tribute to dad, 40, who died in Jet2 flight tragedy as he flew home with his kids

David said: “Staff from the hospice came out to see Lucia at home. They were brilliant – just angels on earth, to my eyes – I can’t speak highly enough of them. That’s why it’s massively important for me to do anything I can do to support the hospice."

David attended charity walk last year. Commenting wistfully about the hike, he added: “For me, the reflection part happens during the walk, and perhaps afterwards as well, when you think about what you’ve just done and how proud the people you miss would be of you actually doing it and giving back.

“That’s when it hits home that you’ve really achieved something. I feel like my wife would have been massively proud and that’s what keeps spurring me on to do Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds each year.”

David Baxter with his son Franco
David Baxter with his son Franco -Credit:Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds is a 5 or 10k walk around Otley. Beginning at Prince Henry's Grammar School, the nighttime walk crosses the River Wharfe, then through the town and the Chevin.

The event sees hundreds of people, some dressed in neon or lights, walking to remember their loved one while raising funds to help Sue Ryder ensure that everyone approaching the end of their lives or living with grief can access the support they need. You can sign up for the charity walk, here.

Get all the latest and breaking news in Leeds by signing up to our newsletter here.