A daughter has begged smokers to think before lighting up after her ‘amazing’ dad and a much-loved Foots Cray caretaker's sudden death from lung cancer at the age of 61.
Robin Stockham worked at Pollard Walk and Mallard Walk for London and Quadrant (L&Q) housing association for over 20 years, and died just a month after being diagnosed on February 12.
The Grove Park resident, who lived in Melrose Close, was “full of life and fit” but was sadly unable to start his chemotherapy, after being rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital with pneumonia on March 3.
Mr Stockham was put on life support at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on March 5, and his daughter and wife Joanna Stockham rushed to be by his side.
His daughter Amy Stockam told News Shopper: “I have never felt so scared and sick in my life.
“We both burst into tears, he was so cold but soaking wet, on 12 drips and lines to keep him alive.
“It was so awful to see my hero and so many people’s best friend looking so vulnerable.
“For seven days me and mum sat holding his hand and talking to him.
“We got to say everything we needed to say to him then and knowing he heard it really does mean a lot.
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“On March 11 we had to make that awful choice to turn off the life support, after getting his friends and family to come say goodbye the day before.
“Me and mum sat telling him how much we all love him and how much we will all miss him, and at 10.57pm he peacefully passed away.
“Our hearts will never beat the same way again.
Robin Stockham with his loving wife Joanna and daughter Amy
“All this was caused by smoking. Dad smoked for 40 years but stopped the day he heard the C-word.
“90 per cent of lung cancer is caused by smoking, it’s not worth the risk.”
Miss Stockham, 25, also paid tribute to her dad, saying: “He was one of the best guys.
“I think he was put on this Earth purely to make people smile and laugh.
“Everyone knew him for being a friendly guy and helpful.
“He was such a big character and loved by so many.
“I wanted to share his story, this is a truly amazing human and so many people were lucky enough to know him.”
Mr Stockham’s funeral will be held at Eltham Crematorium at 3.15pm on Tuesday, with all who knew him welcome to pay their respects.
Miss Stockham is raising money for the British Lung Foundation and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer charities in memory of her dad. Click here to donate.
To pay tribute to Mr Stockham, email: josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk
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