Glyn Smith, a fit and healthy father from Glossop, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer after initially being told he had a chest infection. In 2014, Glyn began suffering from a continuous cough, which his son Darell Smith, now 44, described as a 'complete shock' given his father's active lifestyle. Glyn was an avid walker who regularly cared for the family dog.
From Chest Infection to Terminal Diagnosis
When the cough persisted, Darell urged his father to see a doctor. Glyn was sent for an X-ray, which revealed a shadow on his lung. Further tests confirmed lung cancer, and doctors gave him six months to a year to live, placing him in palliative care. Darell said: 'It was a really tough time knowing that there would be no light at the end of the tunnel. We tried to stay positive as best we could, but we had times where we just couldn't digest what was happening.'
Treatment and Care
Glyn was placed on a trial drug and received targeted radiotherapy. Darell remained by his side through multiple scans, tests, and appointments. For 18 months, Darell cared for his father, describing the experience as 'incredibly challenging' and 'devastating to see.' Glyn eventually entered Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne, where Darell praised the care as 'phenomenal' and 'Heaven on earth with its very own angels.'
Final Months and Passing
Surgery was not an option because the tumour was too close to the main artery. In his last six months, Glyn required regular lung draining as his lungs filled with liquid. In late August 2016, the family took a holiday, but Darell received a call that his father's condition had worsened. They returned home, and Glyn passed away peacefully on September 7, 2016, at age 66, surrounded by family.
Tribute Walk for Willow Wood Hospice
Exactly 10 years after his father's death, Darell will walk the entire Pennine Way—268 miles from Edale to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border—with his Border Collie, Jess. The trek begins on August 28, 2026, and will mark the anniversary of Glyn's passing. Darell hopes to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice, which relies on donations to provide end-of-life care. He said: 'It was a horrendous thing we went through, but I know I'm not the only one and that is why it's important that places like Willow Wood are available. Every step I take will be for him, and for Willow Wood, so that other families can receive the same care and compassion we did.' Donations can be made via Just Giving.
