Walking over glass and Lego for a good cause - Simon Mahoney is Doing it for Dave

Simon Mahoney, who works as an Operations Assistant at Manheim Colchester, has big plans. Driven by the loving memory of his late brother, his next fundraising walk is going to be a record breaker.

Simon’s brother, Dave, died of asbestos cancer after working on the demolition of a high street store in the 1970s. Asbestos materials present a risk to health when the fibres become airborne and are breathed in. This can happen if it is cut, drilled or broken. 

Dave’s cancer was detected after a medical for his job as a continental HGV driver. After a period of feeling unwell, a scan revealed the diagnosis which was to devastate his family’s lives.

Simon devoted himself to supporting his brother, attending endless hospital appointments and helping Dave through his chemotherapy treatment. As the condition got worse, family life was put on hold, with everyone rallying round to support Dave in any way possible.

Simon explained “My brother managed to fight the horrible disease for a number of years, even taking the construction company to The High Court in London, where he managed to win compensation and raise awareness of the dangers of working around asbestos.”

Unfortunately, Dave’s colleagues did not survive long enough to see compensation. Three of them died, and the fourth was on life support, close to death.

Eventually, Dave was transferred to St Helena Hospice in Colchester to receive end of life care. Simon was allowed to stay there, so that he could spend as much time as possible with his brother. They had lots of laughs, reminiscing about their childhood together. In fact, they laughed so much they were told off by the staff for being too noisy! 

Simon said “The saddest moment was when my brother asked me to carry his coffin. It completely destroyed me. I was with him until his last breath.”

After his brother passed away, Simon decided to raise money for the hospice which had looked after his family so well. His latest challenge was walking barefoot on broken glass and Lego bricks. Supported by his colleagues at Manheim Colchester, he raised £538.

Inspired by this success, Simon is now contemplating bigger and better challenges, perhaps even attempting a record breaking barefoot Lego walk.

At Manheim Colchester, we are very proud of Simon and his tireless efforts to raise money and awareness in memory of his beloved brother. He's 'Doing it for Dave', so let’s all continue to encourage and support him. 

Learn more about St Helena Hospice and how to donate over on their website.