Dad was brave beyond belief

MIKE CREAN

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TRIBUTES have been paid to an inspirational dad-of-two who helped others suffering cancer while battling the disease himself.

Mike Crean (60) was a popular figure at Oldham Cancer Support Centre where he spent his last six years volunteering and shared his story with cancer patients.

His daughter has paid a heartfelt tribute to her brave father after he lost his fight against cancer.

In March, Mike was given between six months and two years to live after being diagnosed with kidney cancer. Glossop-born Mike, who moved to Failsworth in 1987, had previously overcome the disease three times.

In 1988 he was diagnosed with skin cancer and underwent harsh chemotherapy after being diagnosed with non-hodgkin lymphoma in 2005.

Ill health caused by this uncommon cancer led Mike to retire from his 37-year role as a team leader at Manchester City Council.

He became a receptionist at OCS in 2010, though he was struck with another blow in 2015 when tests revealed he had kidney cancer.

Mike was given the all-clear last year following the removal of his kidney.

Daughter Kat Crean (28), from Failsworth, said: "We were all devastated by the diagnosis in April as it was only last year he was given the all clear.

"He'd fought so many times and won.

"Knowing that he wouldn't win this one was hard but the courage and humor he showed was inspiring.

"I've never seen bravery like I saw in the last days of my dad's life."

Kind-hearted Mike became a trustee at OCS, volunteered on Fridays and delivered talks for the organisation's Back to the Future programme.

Teaching assistant Kat said: "Dad wanted to give something back.

"He shared the story of his own battle with cancer, how he coped with chemotherapy and how he stayed strong.

"Dad unfortunately had to leave when he fell ill again but the support and friendship they provided never wavered."

Secretary Pam Williams said: "Mike's whole personality was just amazing - he was so positive.

"With his wife Veronica he shared how cancer had changed their lives, and while it is a serious subject, Mike would soon have everybody laughing.

"They attended almost every fundraising event and were extremely supportive.

"Mike was a big man in every way and fun to be around.

"You would never think that he had cancer or had been so ill.

"He will be very very much missed."

The avid Manchester United fan celebrated his 60th birthday in June, travelling by train from Dublin to Waterford, Ireland.

His family, whose holidays revolved around the team's fixtures, has organised a Red Devils-themed funeral.

They have raised more than £1,000 for Oldham Cancer Support, playground equipment at Hawthorns Community School, where Mike's sister, wife and daughter work, and Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

Oldham and Royton Harrier Kat has already signed up for next year's Manchester Marathon to raise money for the same three causes.

The keen runner said: "During the last week of his life dad was cared for by angels from the hospice - amazing doesn't quite cover what they did."

Encouraged by her dad, Kat undertook a 16-mile run four days after her dad lost his battle on Thursday, September 29.

She said: "I was his little girl - he called me daddy's hat because he used to put me on his head when I was a baby.

"We are an incredibly tight family and although it will take a while to come to terms with dad not being there anymore, we will keep his memory alive in all of us."

He leaves behind his wife, two children, two siblings and a step brother.

A funeral mass will take place on Friday (October, 14) at 9.30am in St Mary's RC Church, Failsworth.

This will be followed by cremation at Blackley Crematorium and celebration at The Millgate in Failsworth.

* Visit the Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/creany to donate to three causes.