Scissett couple walk in memory of stepdad who died of brain tumour

Jun 19 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A YOUNG couple will walk 20 miles in memory of a loved one who died of a brain tumour.

Chris Slattery, a former Royal Navy serviceman, was diagnosed with four brain tumours in May.

Just two weeks later, despite the best efforts of neurological staff at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, he tragically died.

Now the family of the 53-year-old are determined to keep his memory alive by raising money for the hospital ward as a way of thanking staff who cared for Mr Slattery.

His stepson Christopher Alsop, 19, is walking 20 miles tomorrow with his girlfriend Alice Johnson, 15, to raise money for the hospital.

Chris, 19, a trainee hairdresser, said: “The brain tumours weren’t expected and were a big shock to us all.

“We don’t want anyone to go through what he did.

“The staff on the ward really cared for him and I think anything we can do to help the ward or others like him then we’ll do it.”

Mr Slattery had suffered with headaches for around three weeks before his diagnosis on May 18.

He was seen by Dr Brian Hill at his Scissett medical practice and referred to Pinderfields Hospital.

But he sadly died on May 31.

He leaves wife Karen and two sons, Darren and Neil Slattery, aged 21 and 24, from his first marriage.

He also had Chris as a stepson and stepdaughter Nichola Cooper, as well as three step-grandchildren, Katie, Beth and Alex Cooper.