For Mick’s daughters, Amy and Megan Bradley, who set up our Fundraising Group, Mick’s Heroes, Father’s Day is a time to reflect on a man who was, in their words, “truly one in a million”.
Our dad wasn’t just a fantastic father – he was an incredible person to everyone lucky enough to know him, truly one in a million. A hardworking family man, he built his life around us, always making sure we never went without. More than that, he raised us to be strong and fearless, to stand up for what we believe in, to enjoy life fully, and most of all, to be happy.
He would do anything for anyone, without hesitation. And no matter what life threw at him, he met it with an unmistakable sense of humour that lifted everyone around him.
That humour never left him – not even on 22nd September 2022, the day everything changed.
It was the day our world came crashing down. A sudden onset of symptoms led us to A&E, where we sat together as scans revealed three glioblastoma brain tumours. In a moment that could have broken anyone, Dad responded in a way only he could.
Looking at the scan, he said: “That’s a good-looking brain.”
In that instant, the atmosphere shifted. Fear gave way, just slightly, to something else – strength, determination, even laughter. That was our dad. His outlook was simple: he “wasn’t dead yet,” and he was going to give this illness everything he had.
What followed was a year filled with unimaginable highs and lows. Watching him deteriorate was heartbreaking, but we also witnessed extraordinary courage. He faced every challenge with positivity and resilience, never allowing his diagnosis to define him.
Even in his darkest moments, Dad kept fighting.
In January 2023, we came up with an idea to channel that fight into action by forming a team to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks. What began as an idea quickly became something much bigger. Friends, family, colleagues – and even strangers – rallied around us.
The outpouring of love was overwhelming.
Knowing that Dad could see just how deeply he was valued meant everything to us. We truly believe that support carried him through some of his hardest days.
On 17th September 2023, our incredible dad fell asleep for the final time at home, surrounded by love, with Mum and us by his side.
Losing our dad when we were 27 and 29 years old is a grief that’s hard to put into words. We grew up believing that Dad would be there for all those important milestones and proud moments – clapping proudly at graduations, walking us down the aisle at our weddings, being the best grandad to his grandchildren – now carry a quiet absence.
But we made a choice. Instead of letting grief define us, we have turned it into purpose.
Mick’s Heroes was born – a Fundraising Group driven by love, loss, and determination to create change. Since January 2023, we’ve raised £30,000 for Brain Tumour Research, supporting the charity’s tireless work towards better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for patients diagnosed with this devastating disease.
We will continue to fight in Dad’s name.
Because that’s what he taught us: to stand strong, to love deeply, to laugh loudly, and to live with passion.
This Father’s Day, we carry him with us – not just in memory, but in who we are. In our strength, our humour, and our determination.
Dad was the heart of our family. The kind of man people gravitated towards. The kind of dad every child deserves.
And while he may no longer be physically by our side, his love, his lessons, and his legacy live on – in every step we take, and every pound we raise, towards a future where no family has to face the same loss.
The latest fundraiser in Mick’s memory took place last month, involving Amy and her gym buddies (pictured above) conquering the Yorkshire Three Peaks once more and raising around £6,000.
II you found Amy and Meg’s words inspiring, do consider donating to Mick’s Heroes.
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