Hi my name is Anita Cleare.
On 12th August 2020, at 31 Dean, my partner, was diagnosed with metastatic terminal oesophageal cancer in Ballinasloe hospital, Co Galway which was described as extremely rare in someone so young and extremely aggressive. Dean instantly went into "soldier mode" as described by his doctor Florrie Daniels in Portiuncula Ballinasloe. Dean faced this battle head on with a number of difficult struggles, chemo anaphylaxis reactions and infections along the way. Even when I went to visit Dean in ICU in October 2020 after his second chemo he smiled when I walked in as if life was perfect and he was happy to see me. If only I could see that smile again. Dean never batted an eyelid at this and laughed at keeping the palliative care team "interested and busy"on their feet along the way. Caroline and Aileen (Roscommon Palliative Care Team) thank you for everything, you knew so much more than we ever did and made Dean smile more than you will ever know.
Dean always asked everyone how they were while knowing he would lose this battle eventually including Florrie 5 days before Dean left this world, asking "how are you doctor?", while hearing his battle was coming to an end. Dean knew that his diagnosis was terminal from the beginning but chose not to tell anyone as he wished to be treated normal and as if nothing was wrong.

Dean instantly began to think about everyone else and how they would deal with his diagnosis. We will never forget that day when Dean told us he had cancer in a park in Galway. I remember one night very late lying in bed, Dean saying to me "please promise me that you and my family will get a full medical every year to make sure you are ok". Little did I know this was Dean telling me that he was going to leave this world very soon and wanted to make sure we were all ok.
Dean was brave and courageous enjoying every second throughout Christmas without worrying his loved ones with this news. Dean always protected the ones he loved. Deans family and friend were his everything. Dean loved his family Fiona (Mam), Derek (Dad), Shauna (Sister), Katie (Sister), Anita (Partner), Jamie (Nephew), Hollie (Niece) & David (Brother-in-law) and always will. Aaron, Orna, Emilia Deans beautiful goddaughter he adored, Eugene, Zoe & Noah thanks for everything ❤️.

On New Year's Eve 2020 Dean kissed me on the forehead and never said 'Happy New Year' which I thought was strange but never questioned. Dean began to become visibly unwell an hour after this. Six days later I got a call from Deans Mam Fiona to come to Ballinasloe and found out the heart breaking news that the cancer had spread and we only had days left with Dean. I can't put this horrible experience into words. I screamed and never truly gave up hope or came out of denial until the end.

On 11th January 2021, less than 5 months after his diagnosis, at 22:20 Dean fell asleep for the last time surrounded by those he loved most. Dean saved one last breath until his Mam walked in and said goodbye. Deans family and myself were never ready for Dean to leave this world and honestly I don't think we will ever understand why this happened until we meet Dean again. We had our life planned out. We had planned on buying a house in 2020, starting a family and getting married. Before Christmas we were viewing future homes. Dean truly was an angel on earth who brightened up everyone's day with his smile. I was blessed to meet Dean and spend such a few short years with him. Dean gave me a lifetime of memories I will truly never forget. I truly believe you meet someone in life who takes away all the bad days and horrible moments and for me that was Dean. Dean would always say a hug helped everything and made me believe this was true. Every night before I go to sleep I wish for one of those hugs and ask Dean to come to me in a dream. Everyday I wake up with a smile after I have dreamt of Dean smiling and knowing he's ok.

Dean I hope you know how proud we all are of you and how much we love you. This should have never happened and I truly believe that night you left us a piece of our heart went with you and we just have to accept that. I truly look forward to the day I get a "cuddle" and kiss from you again. I never could have imagined that I would lose the love of my life at this time. Dean if love could have saved you I promise you would have lived forever.
Dean spoke with his family about his wishes to set up a cancer support group for cancer patients if he won this battle. However, Dean did not get to do this. This fundraiser would allow for supports to be put in place and makes Deans wish come true. Please help make Deans wish come true ❤️

Thank you for taking the time to visit my memorial page for Dean O’Farrell

I've chosen to fundraise for Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre. All funds raised here will go directly to this great cause.
I hope you can help me by donating whatever you can. Simply click the Donate button above. All donations are processed securely.
You can also share my page using Share options below. This is a great way to show your support.
Many Thanks for your support
Anita, Fiona, Derek, Shauna, Katie, Jamie, Hollie & David ❤️

In Memory of Dean O’Farrell

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