AN ALCESTER teenager who lost his dad to cancer is giving something back to the hospice that allowed his family to create memories together.
Thirteen year-old Dylan Lippett decided to brave the shave to raise money for the Primrose Hospice, who supported his family during his dad’s illness.
Rugby-fan Dylan was just seven years old when his dad Daniel was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and given just six weeks to live.
Dylan, his big sister Amber and mum Julia stood by Dan’s side as he underwent invasive treatment, defying all expectations for three years during which the family were able to spend quality time together.
Julia said: “Dan’s positive attitude was so important at that time, and we managed to make some beautiful memories for our children which we shall never forget.
“But the last year was very difficult, and Dylan, Amber and myself became his carers. This is when we found the support of the Primrose Hospice. They gave us huge support from family counselling, alternative therapy treatments.
“They even used to send someone to sit with Dan so I could take Dylan to rugby on Sundays – which he loves. I cannot express how much the Primrose means to us as a family and it gave Dan the dignity he deserved in the final months of his life.”
Daniel died in February 2015 at the age of 39, and the children’s service at Primrose helped Amber and Dylan cope with their emotions following his passing.
Two years on and Studley High School student Dylan decided to do something to thank the service that was so vital to his family.
He said: “I decided to shave my head because the Primrose Hospice supported us so I want to support them.
“The Hospice helped me throughout my dad’s illness and after he passed away. The care he was given at home meant we could spend quality time together, time I will never forget.
“I want to honour his name by helping others who have to experience the devastating effects of cancer.”
Dylan had his head shave at Bella Barba – and so far has raised almost £600.
Between them the Lippett family have raised a total of £2,657 for the Primrose, not including Dylan’s head shave money.
Mum Julia added: “With the support of the Primrose my children have become amazing young adults. If you didn’t know their story, you would never know the trauma they have been through in the last five and a half years.
“It’s all thanks to the support they received from Primrose.”
Visit http://bit.ly/2tzd432 to sponsor Dylan.
