Posted on 06/26/2023 12:46:49 PM PDT by nickcarraway
'I don't think Stef truly knew how loved he was. Unfortunately it takes something like this, and he's not here to see it'
A popular 34-year-old man died suddenly after putting off getting a persistent cough checked. Stefan "Stef" Allan, a skilled painter and decorator who lived in Carmarthen, may not have known he was ill with cancer before his death, said his friend Jane Back.
Jane said Stef's death on June 11 has left a "mass of devastation" among his friends and family. She described Stef as "someone who would do anything for anyone".
When Stef was found dead at home, no one knew he had been seriously ill, said Jane. The 58-year-old added: "He'd had a bit of a cough which was a constant for some time. The thing about Stef was he would put off going to the doctor if he felt okay to go to work."
Jane, who has been helping arrange the funeral, was told by the coroner's office that Stef had a disseminated tumour, meaning cancer cells were found in multiple parts of his body. She hopes her friend's story will serve as a message to anyone who feels reluctant to get a doctor's advice on health concerns.
Although Stef spent the last four years of his life in Carmarthen, he was born and bred in Surrey, where his heartbroken mother Irene still lives. Stef's many friends and loved ones have already hit a £4,000 donations target to cover the costs of a funeral in Surrey and any surplus will go towards cancer research.
Jane said Stef "loved his cars, loved his music and loved a pint". He taught himself to play the harmonica well and enjoyed jam sessions with friends. "I'm not musical so I used to just fetch the drinks and clap and enjoy the moment of togetherness," said Jane. "Stef loved that rhythm and bluesy, rocky sound. He was an old man in a young man's body when it came to music."
One of Stef's favourite passion projects was fixing up second-hand cars, whether repairing rust or spraying the vehicle an entirely new colour. Jane laughed: "He'd tell us, 'Look what a bargain I've got.' And we'd go, 'Oh no Stef, not another car.' He'd do it up, make it look good, and it would fall apart a few months later. He was not a man of means but as long as he could get to work on a car, play music and see friends, he was happy."
Before moving to Carmarthen, Stef worked alongside Jane painting and decorating in his home village of Horsell. "He had an amazing attention to detail, he was fearless when it came to working at a height, and you couldn't fault his work ethic," she added.
Stef enjoyed a "fresh start" in Wales, sharing a house with a friend and becoming a decorator for a company in Ammanford. He quickly became a familiar face at Carmarthen pubs such as the Drovers Arms. "He was always up for a laugh," said Jane. "I've had the most amazing response from people in Wales supporting the fundraiser. I don't think Stef truly knew how loved he was. Unfortunately it takes something like this, and he's not here to see it."
Jane hopes Stef's story will raise funds for cancer research as well as spreading the message: "If you don't feel right, don't put off getting advice." You can donate to the fundraiser here.
He didn’t die suddenly. He was dying for a long time, just didn’t know it.
Routine checkups people......at least once a year is a small price to pay for peace of mind of knowing what kind of shape your in, and early detection can literally be a life saver if something is amiss.
Very sad.
Probably small cell lung cancer, my dad and my uncle were both given 3 weeks to live upon diagnosis. They both lived approximately 3 weeks.
Good advice...As for this guy, he lived in Wales so I'm not so sure he had access to the quality medical care we have here in the US
Yeah I appreciate our medical care here is top notch even as much as obama has tried to ruin it, but I would certainly hope a disseminated tumour, meaning cancer cells found in multiple parts of his body would be discovered by even a half blind doctor.
That’s actually a great way to go. I mean 34 isn’t great but he doesn’t know so he’s up in heaven painting instead of going through chemo getting sick every minute.
Here in the US, annual Medicare Wellness Checks cover screenings for a limited number of cancers.
For those with familial and personal cancer histories, Medicare screenings do not provide, IMO, peace of mind.
Yes and why is ‘routine lung cancer scans’ not permitted!!!! Medicare don’t care at all.
After the Covid nonsense with every Dr. pushing the Rat Poison shot on people and berating anyone who didn’t want it ... the medical “profession” are full of BS artists.
I don’t trust any of them anymore. It’s all about the money and keeping their licences ... screw the patients is their motto.
I get one once a year....
You pay for it then. Medicare would not for my deceased husband cancer ridden body.
Nope, Medicare and secondary pay 100%
Hmmmm That’s good.
From your profile - alternative website filled with hate and vitriol equivalent to the Democrat Underground.
>They make us do it!< : -((
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