Dad received the best care possible from St Gemma’s and so did we. It surpassed anything we could have expected.
Patients
Andy’s Story
At St Gemma’s Hospice, we walk alongside people and their families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. It’s a privilege we never take for granted. The chance to care for someone, to listen to their story, and to support the people who love them most.
Earlier this year, we had the privilege of caring for Andy Dawson.
Andy was a big character. Warm, funny and full of life. The sort of person who made an impression straight away. Someone who brought people together and left every room brighter than he found it.
Rugby was a huge part of Andy’s life. As a proud member of Roundhegians Rugby Club, he spent many years playing, coaching and eventually becoming the club’s Honorary President in 2022. Through the club he built friendships that lasted a lifetime.
But what stood out most about Andy was his generosity. His instinct to help others.
In 2022, Andy suffered a stroke and faced a long road to recovery. True to form, he met the challenge head on.
Then, in April 2024, Andy was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer and given a difficult prognosis. Despite everything he was facing, Andy remained determined to make a difference.
Just two months later, in June 2024, he took part in a charity walk and raised more than £9,000 for a cancer support charity. The following year, in July 2025, he inspired another incredible fundraising effort. Although he wasn’t able to complete the whole walk himself, he rallied his loved ones, friends and colleagues to take part, raising a further £2,900.
Even while facing his own illness, Andy was thinking about how he could help others.
Earlier this year, Andy became an in-patient on the Dales Ward at St Gemma’s Hospice, where our team had the honour of caring for him while he was surrounded by his wife Sue and their daughters, Nicola and Rachel.
When our Fundraiser Stephanie visited him, she was immediately struck by Andy’s openness and warmth. Despite everything he was facing, Andy spoke about wanting to give something back to the Hospice that was supporting him and his family.
With his trademark humour, he joked that he would make the “perfect case study” and said he would be more than happy for his story to be shared if it could help raise awareness and funds for St Gemma’s.
Helping others, even during the most difficult time in his own life, was simply who Andy was.
Andy passed away two days later on 9th March 2026.
But the love for him lives on.
Nicola, Andy’s daughter
Nicola, Andy’s daughter shared, “The staff go over and above for the patients and whilst his decline was physically and mentally difficult for him, it was made infinitely better by being at St Gemma’s in his final days and we would like to continue to support the charity in any way we can.”
Andy’s family and friends are now determined to carry forward the legacy.
His nephew, Mark Gornall, will take on the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, while his close friend, Mark Moran, will run the Leeds Half Marathon, both raising money for St Gemma’s Hospice in Andy’s memory. Family and friends will also be there alongside them, running together to honour Andy’s life and the difference he made.
Andy spoke with the highest of praise for St Gemma’s and its team in what they have been able to do to not only make him comfortable at an incredibly low point in his journey, but what they also offered his family – what they do is priceless, and it’s so clear to see when you’re there.
Mark, Andy’s dear friend
Mark Moran shared, “Those of you that know me will know that running’s not my thing. But I’ve signed up to the Leeds Half Marathon. I asked Andy if I could fundraise on his behalf for St Gemma’s and his face instantly lit up (no surprise there for those that know him!).
I initially set a £1000 target, which we reached within a few hours so I immediately raised the target. When I told Andy, his response was immediate: “Tell him to pull his finger out and raise more!”.
If you are in a position to give anything to support this wonderful charity, your support will instantly do unbelievable things for families in their darkest times.”
Mark, Andy’s nephew shared, “On the 9th of March, we sadly lost my Uncle, Andy to terminal cancer. He faced his illness with strength, courage, and dignity. He was an incredible man, and made a positive impact on all the lives he touched whether family, friends, teammates, colleagues or community.
During his final days, the care, compassion, and support provided by St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds meant the world to both him and his family. The staff went above and beyond to make sure he was comfortable, treated with dignity, and surrounded by kindness at an incredibly difficult time. Their dedication gave our family precious moments together that we will always cherish.
Mark, Andy’s nephew
Every donation made in Andy’s memory will help St Gemma’s continue to provide expert care, comfort and dignity to people across Leeds living with life-limiting illness, and support the families beside them.
Andy wanted to give something back to the Hospice that cared for him and his family.
Help Andy’s wish live on.