Some Sad News, please read.

Dear All

On Wednesday night, my grandfather passed away.  Was suffering from cancer and only that day we were told that there was nothing else that could be done for him. Late that evening he had a fall and couldn’t be revived. We do not know the full details yet.

It is a difficult time for the whole family and it was quite a shock to lose him so suddenly. We knew he didn’t have long, but thought he had more time with us than he did. It is very saddening to lose him, but also there is a sense of relief as now we know that he is no longer suffering and that he won’t waste away. We watched my cousin die from cancer and waste away and it is not how we would want my grandfather to go.

On Wednesday afternoon, after bringing him back from the hospital, where he had had a consultation appointment, he shook my hand, and told me to have a good life with my partner. I didn’t think too much of it, as I thought I would see him again. He was a wonderful man, a true inspiration. He worked all his life as a self-employed builder, he used to raise racing pigeons and he was an amazing grandfather, father and husband. Only a week ago, after having had radiotherapy treatment on his back the day before, he was still vacuuming the house for my nana.

I would like to ask for your patience through this time, and apologise in advance for any delays in commissions, gifts and trades. I may disappear for a few days at a time, but I will always receive messages and read them. I may not be able to reply though, or comment as much as I would like.

I leave you with a photograph of my latest, and most emotional to work on, piece of taxidermy. A soft mounted fox for my grandfather. He was only completed a week ago, and although required an awful lot of work, including rebuilding the inside of his ears using deer and goat fur, I am very proud of him, and my grandfather loved him. This fox gave me a gift that I shall treasure for the rest of my life. He gave me the tail tip, and so I will always have a part of something my grandfather loved with me.