“Voice all the concerns that you have; don't doubt yourself if you feel that something is wrong. You are entitled to answers, seek them, but don't be afraid to ask for help.”
— Danielle, Dave’s daughter
Dave is remembered by his family as a truly wonderful man, someone who was deeply loved by everyone who knew him.
A friend to all, Dave was a devoted husband of 40 years to his wife Caroline, and a much-loved dad to his two children. He was funny, witty, and incredibly intelligent, with a caring and generous nature and a heart of gold. Dave loved motorbikes, model railways, and loud music, and took great pride in his record player and extensive vinyl collection. Above all else, he adored dogs, and dogs adored him in return, drawn to his unique and infectious energy.
"He was loved far more than he ever appreciated, and is missed more than words can say."
Dave’s death was extremely sudden, completely unexpected, and deeply traumatic for his family.
"He really was the glue that held us all together, both individually & as a family. Dave always had the solutions to every problem we faced, no matter how complicated it seemed he could work everything out for us & make everything better."
For more than 30 years, he lived with chronic illness and severe pain, showing extraordinary strength and determination throughout — something his family remain incredibly proud of.
By sharing Dave’s story as part of Action Against Medical Accidents’s It Can Happen to Anyone Christmas Campaign, his family hopes to honour his life and help prevent others from experiencing avoidable harm.
Their message to other families comes from lived experience:
“Voice all the concerns that you have; don't doubt yourself if you feel that something is wrong. You are entitled to answers, seek them, but don't be afraid to ask for help.”
And their message to those responsible for healthcare decision-making is clear and direct:
“Ensure you have communicated all decisions & plans with each other, the patient, the patient's family & most importantly the patient's records, as without accurate records there can be too much room for error & miscommunication.”
At AvMA, we stand alongside families like Dave’s — offering clarity when answers are hard to find, and support when the path forward feels overwhelming. By sharing stories like Dave’s, families help keep patient safety, communication, and learning at the heart of healthcare, so that others may be spared similar harm.
Your regular gift of as little as £7 a month enables us to be there for families facing the unimaginable, providing guidance, compassion, and hope when they need it most.
