Having been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a bad form of asbestos cancer is obviously a shock and a nasty thing to cope with, particularly since I believe it was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I never actually worked in construction or any area this would apply to. The sad part aside, what keeps me motivated and happy is my loving family and being a supporter of the mighty sea eagles. My family is very important as they look after me when I need it most but also important is to have something like the sea eagles on the side.

Since actively reading and participating in the manly forum and then Silvertails I feel very much alive indeed and am greatful for it. It is surprising how many complete strangers, and that is the reality of it, are so supportive and behind me. It touches my heart and brings a tear to my eye in a positive way though, happiness. I have supported the eagles in my way for about 35 years and honestly could not support another football team in my life. They are simply the best, I love the colour scheme and everything about them. Although I have bought supporters gear of the sea eagles I have always for some reason or another missed out on a jersey. Well, good news, this week I am buying a 2014 home jersey to proudly wear as long as I can and if done I have asked to be buried in mine. I guess I will never know if this happens but I have asked for it. I still feel it is too soon for me to go but these are the cards I hard been dealt.

One thing I would like my family to remember is that I die happy. I have had the chance to say good bye and have helped insure ey should be ok in the future. Also I have loved my time supporting manly and that's with all the success they have had over the short years of my life. I hope they continue to have this success for many years to come. I don't want any pity as I am truly blessed in many ways so when my time comes, a quick goodbye and a drink to the future is all that I ask. I will be in heaven with god I hope looking after my family and watching manly playing great football to win premiership after premiership. I will be a guardian angel to my family and hopefully extended family keeping as many safe as I can. I hope I am never forgotten by my family and hope I never have to miss them and lose sight of them.

Dan, I thank you for the opportunity to write a few words on Silvertails and while I appreciate that I am only a small fish in this pond I hope I have added something positive to this great website that has given many manly tragics an opportunity to have their say talking football whether we actually know anything or not. You are a champion and I hope to contribute here as long as possible. I say this because I want you to know that us supporters may not tell you enough how important this site is to them and what you do free of charge with your time and resources should not be forgotten and you should know how greatful and thank full we all are.

I guess to end this the most important things for me to pass on is that family and friends will always be the most important things in my life, as well as great football team, and I die happy knowing that I have had these things in my life. I will try to stay positive to the end and die with dignity and respect praying my soul ends up with god and I live forever through the memories of my family and friends.

Sorry if this is all over the place but I have tried to write this from the heart and will not edit this so I will leave that to you if required. Once again, thank you for the opportunity and if all goes well I will be in my hometown of Wollongong over Easter wearing my Manly jersey proudly visiting family and friends. As my wife will probably move back to NSW after my passing I have asked her to ensure I am buried down there so I am always closer to my beloved family and coicidently the mighty sea eagles. I did jest eat one stage that I would love to have my remains scattered over Brookvale but know that would never happen lol. I settled for somewhere nice close to my family so I can be close to protect them if ey ever need me. Anyway, better stop rambling on, thanks again

*Editors note, As I was aware of Townsville Eagles battle with illness, I reached out to him earlier in the year, so that he would have the opportunity to be remembered. I haven't heard from him for a few months now, so assume the worst, RIP mate. Although this contains some direct messages and I was going to edit it, I thought it best to leave it as is, it just seemed nicer to have the natural flow