old superhero walking in dad's memory

Six-year-old superhero walking in dad's memory Fletcher was only a year old when his dad, Gavin, died from cancer in 2019.

Now aged six, Fletcher is taking part in a fundraiser for the hospice which treated his dad - dressed as Gavin's favourite superhero.

The Superhero Night Walk in Queen's Park, Chesterfield, on Saturday is raising money for the Derbyshire town's Ashgate Hospice.

Fletcher's mum Lori said they wanted to "give something back."

Gavin, originally from Sheffield, was diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer in 2018. Months later, he was told it was incurable.

In March 2019, he was admitted to the inpatient unit of Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield.

Gavin and Lori's marriage had been set for June, but they realised he was not going to make it.

Instead, they got married at the hospice, supported by staff and volunteers.

Days later, Gavin died on 4 April, aged 39.

"He was probably the best person I've ever met in my life," said Lori. "The best dad in the world."

"Everything was just perfect."

"It was so nice for everyone to see him at the end, say goodbye, and celebrate with us."

Since then, she says Ashgate Hospice have continued to support her and Fletcher.

He's now receiving child bereavement counselling from them.

"All of a sudden, it kind of dawned on him that he didn't have a dad, with school and things like Father's Day," she said.

"They're amazing, we're always thankful to them."

"Fletcher wants to take part in the Superhero Night Walk so we can give something back for everything they've done for us."

"He first did the event last year and loved it. He loves dressing up as Superman because that's what he called his dad, and we even had the theme tune playing at the funeral."

"He was a very good person," said Fletcher. "I try to be just like him."

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