News

Pukekohe family who suffered the ultimate loss has given generously to a charity which supported them during their time of grief.

Earlier this year husband and father of two, Nick McNamara lost his battle with brain cancer.

Before Nick fell ill, his wife Kath was a trustee of the Franklin Silver Lining Trust and the couple were staunch supporters of the Pukekohe-based charity which provides special breaks for people struggling with adversity.

For that reason, when facing his last days, Nick asked that, in lieu of flowers at his funeral, mourners make a donation to the trust.

Over the months, the donations have steadily trickled in and now the total is nearing $3000.

"We just wanted to help families affected by trauma, to give them the distraction of a special gift or break away, " said Kath. "We know only too well how precious life is and how precious these moments together are when you have to deal with an illness day in and day out."

The McNamaras were themselves grateful recipients of two special treats, courtesy of the Franklin Silver Lining Trust.

Two years ago they enjoyed a weekend in Rotorua, which Kath said gave her and their sons wonderful memories of a brave and inspiring husband and father.

Then, just days before Nick passed away, the trust arranged, with the help of Richard Stenning of Oceania Helicopters, a helicopter flight for the family over Pukekohe.

Nick fell ill in 2005 when Kath was pregnant with their second child, Patrick.

He suffered a massive seizure and tests revealed a malignant tumour on his brain. An operation with a 50 per cent success rate removed half of the tumour and treatment continued with five weeks of radiation and a year of chemotherapy.

Nick responded well and Kath believes the chemo, though taxing on his body, prolonged his life. At the end of his treatment another tumour was found and successfully removed. For the next year, Nick enjoyed improved quality of life. But the tide changed late last year. The second tumour re-appeared and Nick's health deteriorated. He endured another operation.

By now the original tumour had grown back, even larger. The doctors said chemo would not help to reduce it.

That's when the family decided to embrace Nick's final months and embarked on a holiday to the top of the North Island.

Nick and his sons planted a tree at Cape Reinga and Kath said their time away together was brilliant.

In March further tests revealed the worst - Nick had only weeks left to live.

"It was gut-wrenching, I can't describe how awful it was, " said Kath. "But we wanted to make his last moments so special and we did. When he passed, he was at peace, so happy with the short life he got to live."

Kath, who met Nick when she was just 16, describes a brave man, full of humour right to the end; a proud rugby-loving father who adored his sons, a devoted husband and loving son and brother, and an inspiration to many.

"He played the cards he was dealt with such courage and dignity. I am so proud of him."

Kath said Nick had a great appreciation for the work of the Franklin Silver Lining Trust.

"He always used to say, despite his gloomy prognosis, there were people worse off.

"He appreciated the excitement that (the special breaks) brought to our family and he wanted that to happen to other families as well."

While Nick admired the trust's work, trustees greatly appreciate his contribution.

"He was such a true inspiration for us, his courage and his passion for life - and his humour - was there until the end, " said trust founder Megan Van Lieshout. So the trust is organising a memorial dinner in Nick's honour early next year.

"Nick was crazy about rugby and we have managed to secure some exciting rugby stars to join our night in celebration of Nick's short but full life, " Mrs Van Lieshout said.
Article by Julie Kaio - Franklin County News