'It hurts to see him like this': Crayford woman going bald for paralysed cancer-stricken dad

Patricia Reynolds, 38, of Wolsey Close, has been treasuring every moment with her dad after finding out his cancer, caused by asbestos, is incurable.

Peter Reynolds, 69, was diagnosed with the disease in November 2014 and the doctors gave him a year to live.

Patricia Reynolds with her dad Peter Reynolds in hospital 

He came through unscathed but had a stroke on November 13 last year after finding out his 94-year-old mum had passed away – he was rushed to King’s College Hospital.

Two days later, he suffered a major stroke and has been paralysed ever since – that is why Miss Reynolds is going bald – to raise awareness about cancer and the effects of strokes.

The mum-of-five told News Shopper: “After my Nan died, my dad was in so much shock that he had a stroke and was rushed to hospital.

“But two days later he had a major stroke and it’s left him completely paralysed.

“Paralysed to the point where doctors can’t treat him for his cancer. I am doing this for him to raise awareness on both conditions.

“He still has the cancer but he’s no longer able to have the treatment.

The pair together at a wedding in March 2013

“The cancer is incurable anyway but the chemo would give him more days with us. All I want now is for him to feel as comfortable as possible.

“It’s difficult hearing about cancer but when it happens to someone close to you it’s a totally different feeling.”

Miss Reynolds will also be having her head shaved on February 14 at the Crayford Clippers for Cancer Research and the shop is opening on a Sunday especially for her.

She described how the stroke and cancer is impacting on her family.

The M&S worker said: “He’s very vague and I can hardly make out what he’s saying. I have told him that I’m shaving my hair off for him but he just looks at me weirdly.

“Before the stroke, he was funny, very outgoing and would always mess around with the kids.

Mr Reynolds before being diagnosed with cancer

“He was always very upbeat and you just couldn’t keep him down. I really miss him because it’s obviously not the same now.

“We don't know what the outcome is going to be for him - It is very hard for the whole family.

“It happens to other people but it only becomes reality until it does to you.

“You see adverts about strokes on TV and it hurts to see him like this.

“My mum and dad are separated but she still supports him now.”

Miss Reynolds has received £30 from her JustGiving page which she set up last Saturday (January 23).

Click here to donate.