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RIP Redmidland, Malcolm, Malc, Wally - p11
Comments
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Have a safe journey Ray, I hope you are able to spend some precious time with Wally.1
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Thoughts are with Wally and his family. So grateful to Ray for conveying the CL appreciation of everything Wally has contributed here and our admiration for the way he has handled his illness.1
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So sorry to read of this sad news1
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So terribly sad - I have no words other than thinking of you Red and your nearest and dearest1
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Sad sad news -1
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Really sad news, loved Malcolm’s match updates and massive contributions to this site, love to his family & friends1
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I have found the stoicism and courage Redmidland has diplayed during his illness inspirational.
Sad news! Fond wishes to all concerned14 -
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Thinking of you Ray, and also @Redmidland.1
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All the very best.1
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Sorry to hear the bad news, bravery in abundance Redmidland has3
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Really sorry to hear this.1
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A further update 14-06
Myself and @DaveStorry met up at St Pancras unsure if we would get to see Wally and what would be his condition should that be the case that we did.
Angie collected us from the station, Angie is Angie and Colin soon discovered about the lady she full on, it’s as if she was collecting us for a night out.I insisted she got out of the van for a full on hug, Colin not to be left out got one too.
As we moved away from each other I could see in her eyes she was exhausted, working two jobs one of them at night as well as the puppy classes.
The banter in the van was relentless, as I mentioned the old classics “we set our watches back to 1970 as we passed Watford” to which the reply “did you bring a big coat for your trip t’up north”
As we set off to see Wally after dropping her dogs home the mood changed, what can we expect?Both Angie and Colin compared their recent interactions with Wally and how his deterioration had come about so quickly.
Our arrival on the ward was one I won’t forget, gone was that man I last saw instead was a frail, almost shell of the guy we know and love.
As we neared his bed Wally opened his eyes and held out his hand which I gently accepted as he pulled my hand towards him and kissed it, my brain was whirring half expecting him to say “about that tenner you owe me” but there was nothing barely able to keep his eyes open he thanked me for coming.I stepped aside to let Colin and Angie say hello and within minutes he was asleep again and pretty much that is how the the visit went, us shuttling between the family room and Wallys bedside.
We agreed trying to read out 10 pages of messages would be to much but summarised by saying everyone on the CL send their love and best wishes.
I then played the videos sent to me last night, no sooner Curbs voice was heard Wally opened his eyes and his face broke into a smile, while mine went the other way as struggled to hold it together as I played Scott’s message followed by Steve Brown, again Wally thanked me, he heard the voices but I doubt he would have understood a word that was said, but that didn’t matter.
After somewhere between five and six hours visiting a mainly sleeping only crying out when his pain was so intense he needed pain relief.
Angie told us it was time to go………..
Trying hard not use words like “goodbye “ I rehearsed the words in my head that I would say before we left, reached out and took Wallys hand.
Before I had chance to speak, in a broken whisper Wally said “Promise me you’ll stay with me until I die”
I knew I couldn’t promise him that, but rested my hand on his shoulder and I’m right here mate with you all the way.
I kissed his forehead and made way for others, but I was broken and only now as I relive today have the tears started to flow.Some 15 years ago I started a journey with a fella that liked German Shepherds and Charlton Athletic, Wallys journey is almost over and we are talking hours and days not days and weeks, I’ll go to my grave knowing I had a brother from another mother.
Take care Wally and when the time comes you’ll be pain free.
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A vivid recount of your day, and beautifully put - thank you for sharing - am so pleased you got to see him Ray, and him you.2
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Thank you for being there for Malcolm, and i can only wish for all the best for his friends and family1
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No more pain or suffering for Wally, I am sure he will sleep well having had his last moments with a very dear friend.I have said this before, but you're a f****** good geezer @T_C_E, I can see this, as no doubt all on here can. If I ever met you, the drinks are on me.Wally, Charlton done it for you, sleep well Sir.31
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Thank you T_C_E for the update, my Lass recently went down the same road that Malc is travelling. I wish his family, yourself and other close friends strength and fortitude for the coming hours and days.Be he Wally, Malc or RM he is one of us in the same CL family and will always be so.30
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Oh, Ray.
You are one very special guy. I've told you so many times before when you've posted yet another tear jerking story of young 'uns who've been inspired & whose lives have changed from meeting you & your wonderful dogs at school.
Today, your friendship & love for this dear old mate who means so much to you, shone through in what must have been a heartbreaking visit.
Not for the first time, words fail me tonight but I just needed to say that your courage today & in the past weeks following Wally's prognosis has touched me, and all of us here who have followed our fellow Lifer's tragic decline.
Think I'll have to leave it there, except to say we're proud to know you .
x
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Sending love and best wishes from my little corner of the Charlton family, if ever you are down Plymouth way please let me know.
Many miles I have travelled…3 -
I have no words, but so many emotions. Such a difficult time to navigate, such beautiful, heartbreaking words. Top man, Wally. Top man, Ray.
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That was a tough read, but beautifully written. Thanks for the update.4
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Thank you for sharing this Ray, your love for Wally shines through the sadness of your words. I'm glad you got to spend some time with him.2
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I am not a sweary bloke, but fuck me that was an emotional read. Thank for relaying the love to Red. Both of you have been the best of us, helping others and generally improving your community. His suffering is nearly done and then you can just remember all the joy he bought you and others.6
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Hi Ray
I was there the day that you and Wally met all those years ago (I can't remember exactly where, but near the Valley). You were both really lovely guys but when you found out your mutual love for German Shepherds no one else got a word in!
Take care and love to Wally, his wife and yourself.
Cordoban/Billy8 -
Only just catching up with this, such a sad read but so good that you done the trip see your friend.0
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So sad but so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing those precious moments with us.
God bless you Wally on your final journey x3 -
Thank you Ray, for everything.
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That was a very tough read Ray.This forum formed a wonderful friendship group years ago in you @Redmidland and @DaveStorry . He might have had trouble relaying it yesterday but I bet it meant the absolute world to open his eyes and see you and Col standing there yesterday having travelled. He would be comforted in knowing he had some real loyal good uns in his army even when the chips are down.
Well done Ray and Col for being such good friends all the way.45 -
Beautifully written, Ray - the power of your love and friendship for each other shines through the tears.6
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That was a hard and emotional read. You are truly wonderful person Ray.3
