Tributes to dad-of-two who battled cancer for seven years and endured four brain tumour operations
A heartbroken family has paid tribute to a Teesside dad-of-two who showed 'superhuman' strength to stay with his loved ones as long as possible.
Martin Heathcock was first diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour in 2017, but fought a marathon battle to carry on, including four operations to reduce the size of the tumour and multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Unfortunately, at the beginning of the year doctors said there was no longer anything they could do and Martin sadly passed away at his Skelton home in October aged just 45.
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A devoted family man Martin leaves behind his wife, Clare, and his children Erin, 16, and Owen, 14, his parents, Harry and Pat and his brother Phil. Phil, 48, said despite his illness and on-going battle, Martin was determined to try and pack in as much as possible, even continuing to work as an electrician, until he was just too ill.
He said his brother would set himself goals of things to see, one being his daughter's prom in June this year. He said Martin loved travelling and sport, especially football, golfing and bike riding and it was through falling off his bike the brain tumour was found.
"He fell off his road bike and banged his head going down Saltburn bank – I believe that this was meant to be so that the tumour could be found and to give him the maximum amount of time with us," Phil explained. "He suffered from migraines and mini blackouts and knew something wasn't right and was persistent enough to get am MRI scan – which is when they found it."
During the first operation surgeons managed to remove 75% of the tumour, but it was too dangerously placed to take all of it out. And a further three operations to reduce it followed.
He said Martin faced the whole illness head on and showed incredible strength both physically and mentally. He said: "The surgeon said he had never done a fourth operation on anybody and Martin put in a superhuman effort to stay with us as long as he could."
Phil said although the family knew Martin was not going to make it, his death on October 6 still came as a shock and they were all hoping to enjoy Christmas together. "Although we knew what was happening the timing did come as a shock," he added.
He said just a week before he had enjoyed an Indian meal with his brother and the night before he died Martin spent cracking jokes with his wife and parents. He said: "He died surrounded by friends and family and leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Martin. You will never be forgotten, we all love you."
A funding page has been set up to support Clare, Erin and Owen and help ease the financial burden of the funeral. To donate visit here.
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