As a family Practice, we lost a very close family relative, Stuart, to cancer about 18 months ago having been diagnosed with ocular melanoma, a rare, aggressive eye cancer. Stuart found great joy in his work as a lorry driver for Flanagan’s Flooring Company. He loved driving through the scenic roads of southern Ireland, delivering not just flooring, but kindness and unforgettable conversations. He knew people by name, remembered their stories, and made lasting friendships. As they were both keen cyclists in their youth and to honour his memory and the things he loved most, his ‘wee bro’ Iain with be undertaking a charity cycle in his name, retracing the lorry route he loved and drove with pride for Flanagan Flooring  

‘Stuart’s legacy Ride’ will take Iain from Cork back to Flannagan Flooring in Saintfield. The approx. mileage is 520, starting on Saturday 16th August, aiming to complete by the following Saturday. We, as a business are providing Iain and his support team with a ‘campervan’ as their ‘home’ for the duration the challenge. 

By supporting Ocular Melanoma UK through Stuart’s Legacy Ride, we are helping to continue the fight against this devastating rare disease. 

Please see the link below to our funding page to donate if you wish and the instagram page to keep updated with Iain’s training and journey, along with more memories of Stuart. Thank you in advance for your support to this cause that means so much to us. 

Some Man for One Man 

Read more on Instagram 

Read more on Gofundme

Stuart’s Story…….

Stuart was the kind of man who filled a room with warmth, laughter, and quiet strength. A dad, brother, son, uncle, friend, he lived with intention, humor, and grace.

In summer 2021, Stuart was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, a rare, aggressive eye cancer. The news was a shock, especially to someone so full of life. To survive, he had to have his eye removed, a life-altering moment most would struggle to bear.

But not Stuart. He faced it with dry wit and remarkable resilience. Even through surgery and hospital stays, he never lost his humor or sense of self.

He continued to live fully, cherishing every moment. But the cancer returned, spreading to his liver and spine. When it took his mobility, he faced another change: life in a wheelchair.

Still, Stuart’s positivity never wavered. He focused on what he could do, finding light in small things. He remained himself, cracking jokes, offering advice, and putting others at ease, even as his body failed.

In his final days, Stuart entered hospice care. It was a painful time for all who loved him. Yet, in a final act of courage, he returned home. He passed peacefully in December 2023 surrounded by family, just as he would’ve wanted.

We’re forever grateful to the doctors, nurses, and carers who stood by him. Their compassion and care brought comfort in the darkest times. They became part of his story, people he truly cherished.

Stuart found great joy in his work as a lorry driver for Flanagan’s Flooring Company. He loved driving through the scenic roads of southern Ireland, delivering not just flooring, but kindness and unforgettable conversations. He knew people by name, remembered their stories, and made lasting friendships.

Stuart’s story is one of strength, kindness, and love. It’s about how a man can face the darkest of days and still manage to be a source of light for others. Even in pain, he smiled. What mattered most were the connections he made and the love he gave.

He is deeply missed but his spirit lives on in every life he touched.

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