The one and only Phil Sayer

Phil, Ellie, Ben and Alex - a recent photo.
Phil, Ellie, Ben and Alex – a recent photo.

This seems the time to come clean about what’s really happening in our lives.

My son-in-law Phil – the husband of my daughter, and father of those twin boys – has been given only days – at most a week or two, to live.  He’s never had much of a mention on this blog and it’s tough that this is how he’s introduced to you.

We hadn’t been back in England long when he was diagnosed with cancer.  With a mixture of surgery, treatment, chemotherapy and sheer bloody-mindedness he kept it more or less at bay, though never defeated it.  Suddenly last week, cancer took over, irrevocably.

He and my daughter have – or had till yesterday – a respected and successful voice-over business, which they’ve temporarily closed with immediate effect, though my daughter will relaunch it.

There’s plenty to say about Phil and his life and times.  But not today.  Ellie has said it all so much better than me, on Facebook.Capture.JPGB

Capture.JPGC

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and living in North Yorkshire, where I walk as often as I can, write, volunteer, and travel as often as I can.

57 thoughts on “The one and only Phil Sayer”

  3. Oh Margaret, there are no words. Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you all. He sounds a wonderful man and he has a lovely family. Take care of yourself too.

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  4. Oh I’m so very sorry for you and your family. Wishing you much, much energy to support your beautiful daughter and grandsons. Hope the best 24 hour hospice care is available for your son-in-law at this difficult time.

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  5. Thinking about you and your family Margaret. As always, let me know if you think there is anything I can do – even if it is just a cup of tea. You helped me so much when we lost Alison a few months ago.

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  7. Margaret, words fail at a time like this. I’m so very, very sorry. What devastating news. My heart goes out to you, to Ellie and Phil and the boys and your whole family.

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  8. Oh, Margaret. This stinks. I hate cancer so incredibly much. I’m glad you let us know what was going on–it must’ve been a difficult decision, in this odd world of blogging where we know each other, yet not really. I am so sorry that all of you, and especially those boys, are going to lose Phil in their daily life.

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  9. I’m so sorry to hear about your son-in-law. I almost certainly will have heard his voice on train announcements over the years. We lost my wonderful brother-in-law to cancer early last year, so I know how terrible it is and how it affects whole families. Wishing all of you peace.

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    1. Yes, you will have heard Phil.And Ellie too, on the Tube. So sorry that cancer gives us a common link. I hope you are all in recovery.

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  11. We’re all so, so very sorry to hear your sad news Margaret. We hope that you all get through this difficult time ahead.

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  12. Dreadful news. Can’t begin to imagine the sadness when lovely people find each other, create a family and life plans only to see them dashed in this horribly cruel and premature way. Full of admiration for Phil and Ellie who have shown their true grit along the way. Xx

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  13. So very sorry to hear your news. Losing a loved one in the fullness of time is hard but to lose someone so young is truly devastating. We send love and strength. xx

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  16. Oh, Margaret–this is truly awful. I hate cancer so incredibly much. It must’ve been a difficult decision to blog about it–our relationships are odd here. We know each other but we really don’t. I am glad you decided to say what was going on, though–I just wish there was anything, at all, that could be done to help. I am so sorry you are all facing such sadness.

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  17. I am so very sorry – my prayers and thoughts will be with your daughter and son in law and those precious boys as well as you and his family and friends. Often there are no words to express what you are all experiencing, but I do hope knowing you have the love and support of many will carry all of you through these difficult days.

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    1. Thank you so much. Your thoughts mean a lot because I know you have had to go through this too. I remain in awe of the way you have tackled the challenge. You’re an inspiration.

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      1. Margaret – I have had a virus and so got behind a bit…been thinking of your family how is Phil doing? Prayers are with you. Thank you for your kind words but I give God the glory….He gave me strength I never realized I had.

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      2. So sorry about your virus I’m glad you’re on the mend. If you’ve done a bit more catching up by now, you’ll know that Phil died almost a month ago. A wonderful funeral and supportive friends have helped a great deal – but tough times for my daughter and grandsons.

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      3. Will keep you all lifted to God in prayer…it will be indeed tough times ahead and so many lonely days and nights. {hugs}

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      5. I know you really don’t me and I know she has good support around here but I am here for her also. It is not an easy road and I found much comfort, encouragement and hope from others who have lost their husbands. Still do actually. It is indeed a very long dark road she is on now.

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      6. That’s typically thoughtful and generous of you, Patty, and I’ll tell her. Thank you. It’s true, at the moment, among all the other help she currently has, there is nobody who’s been in that situation, and as you say, it’s really important to have. .

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      7. After Tom passed away I had a few bloggers email me to share with me what they had been through – they are still an encouragement for me today. Hugs and prayers…

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  18. Margaret, we’re so very sorry to hear the sad news about Phil. Thinking of you, Ellie and the boys, with love.

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  20. Margaret, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have so many choices on how we live our lives, yet so few when it is our time. Be comforted in the joy he brought your daughter and the time you were able to share with him. Peace.

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  23. We heard the news on the radio last night and are saddened by the loss that you and Phil’s family have just had. Our heartfelt condolences to you all, he sounds like a man who was held in deep respect by many. Sharon and Andrew.

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