I am also very partial to cacti and succulents and am curious about the succulent in the background...Is it real? Succulents in England, now that is a talent to keep them alive in your climate, I would think.
I am sorry for your loss and hope you and your Dad are doing better. I lost my Mom in December 5 years ago. It hurt so bad but now I have sweet memories that overcloud the hurt...
No the cacti is not alive but people do have them in conservatories they seem to thrive quite well indoors.