This site is a tribute to the much loved Dennis Peter Appleby (Big Den!).

Our Dad/Grandad/Husband was a friend to so many, the most selfless person we knew. He did everything for his family, friends and even people he didn't know, he would give his last penny to and would never see anyone without.

He raised 6 Children, 16 Grandchildren and 1 Great Granddaughter - all of which he absolutely adored & did everything he possibly could for. He literally lived & breathed for his nearest & dearest and was the love of our Mum Susan's entire life. 

For those who knew our Dad would know he suffered with Severe COPD, along with Heart disease (multiple heart attacks & a stroke), and then sadly was diagnosed with SCLC (small cell lung cancer) on 23rd February 2021. Our world shattered on that day, as unfortunately it's a form of incurable cancer and it's extremely aggressive, and was given the bleak prognosis of 3-4 weeks to live. Dad decided in the end not to have any form of treatment, as he wanted to spend his remaining weeks not feeling unwell due to any Chemo etc, and have some quality time with us all. Thankfully Dad wasn't in any pain (well not that he let onto us, like he never once did over the years of him having serious health conditions!). He had a great appetite over the 10 weeks, and honestly we thought we had even longer with him as he was just doing remarkably well. 

We feel extremely grateful that we had 10 weeks with Dad, and in that time he got to celebrate his 50th Golden wedding anniversary with his beloved Wife, got to watch the Cheltenham festival, as well as the grand national (Dad had a love for the Gee-Gees!). As well as getting to spend quality time with his family & friends, which I know we will all cherish forever.

Dad fought so hard, but sadly on Tuesday 4th May (the day of one of his daughters 9th wedding anniversary) he lost his battle. We still don't have confirmation of the exact cause of our Dad's passing, but suspected cardiac arrest. His heart and lungs were working so hard, and he had dodged a lot of bullets through his life, but this one he just couldn't beat unfortunately no matter how hard he tried. Dad was not in any pain, and got his wish of passing away at home with his forever love. He is now at peace which gives us some comfort, as the last thing any of us wanted was for him to be suffering, as he honestly didn't deserve to.

We are now focused on giving our Dad the best possible celebration of his 70 years of life and taking good care of his amazing wife, our Mum. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has reached out to us all, your lovely words, cards, flowers etc are hugely appreciated & mean so much.

His grandchildren brought him a book "a keepsake record of Grandad's life", which we completed after he was diagnosed in March. We will therefore leave this tribute of our amazing Dad, with his remaining words of wisdom:

"Learn as much as you can and do things the right way"

Thank you Dad for always doing right by us, and teaching us the right way - we will always love you xxx