An inspirational grandfather has died after losing a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ron Thomson was given just six months to live when he was first diagnosed with the disease in March 2009, but outlived doctors’ predictions by almost four years.
In that time he inspired his family to raise thousands of pounds for pancreatic cancer charities.
He also took part in several drug and treatment trials to help in the fight against the disease.
Ron’s granddaughter Lorna Palmer, who organised a fundraising ball in March of this year, said: “He was a loving grandfather and he fought a hard battle against the disease.
“We were all together at the end and my nan was a rock.
“He is in each and everyone of us and will be with us forever.”
Ron died on July 31 at his home.
His daughter Corinne Goodchild said: “He wanted to die at home with dignity and with the dedicated help of the district nurses, St Barnabas nurses and Marie Curie night nurses he was able to do just that.
“Also the Macmillan nurses gave him tremendous support – all their kindness and expertise went a long way in ensuring Ron’s final hours were pain-free and dignified.”
She said he will be greatly missed by all the family, including his wife Gill, five children, 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
She added: “He was such a lovely family man who was liked by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”
A funeral was held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Holbeach, where £320 was raised to be split between St Barnabas Hospice at Home service and Marie Curie Nursing Service.