Tributes to kind young Great Sankey dad after cancer death

Gavin Plowman, from Great Sankey, sadly died at St Rocco’s Hospice on Friday, July 22, at the age of just 39.

He was told he had an aggressive and rare form of cancer just weeks after the birth of his daughter in August 2020, but he remained as positive as he could be.

Family and friends say that while they are distraught over his passing, they would like to thank the exceptional hospice staff for the care they gave him.

Gavin developed a dull lower back pain in April 2020 and was given a range of diagnoses from doctors, from muscle strains to gallstones.

As his symptoms started to worsen, the Greater Manchester Police officer was rushed to hospital in August for an eight-hour emergency operation to remove an egg-sized mass from his spine.

Gavin and Laura Plowman with their daughter, Daphne

Despite surgeons being ’99 per cent’ sure that the tumour was benign, they were ‘gobsmacked’ to discover that it was in fact cancerous.

They said that it was extremely rare for that type of tumour to develop in that area of his spine.

Following research online, Gavin and his wife Laura could only find 200 cases globally of glioblastoma multiforme grade four cancer developing in the spine, with a lot of unknowns due to its rare nature.

The pair tried to remain positive as they looked for alternative treatments outside of the NHS and UK, with an online donations page raising more than £17,000.

But as Gavin’s condition started to worsen, he refused chemotherapy and radiotherapy, feeling he would be too poorly to live what life he had left.

He sadly began to deteriorate further, initially losing the ability to walk and being wheelchair bound as the cancer travelled up his spine.

Gavin and Laura married in Warrington after bringing the date forward folling his diagnosis

Despite this, he faced the cancer head-on using spirituality and meditation as his way of getting through.

Gavin was admitted to St Rocco’s at the end of April this year, in that time celebrating his 39th birthday surrounded by his daughters Daphne and Josie, wife Laura, mum Bev and close friend Helen Patton.

“Everybody is distraught. Gavin was everybody's friend,” Helen said.

“He served in both Lancashire Constabulary and then GMP, and as brothers and sisters in blue, we are all taking his passing very hard.

“Gavin was always positive – he had a wicked sense of humour, he loved life and people and was a very committed father and husband.

“He loved sport, especially golf, and he was a die-hard fan of Preston North End Football Club.

Gavin Plowman with daughter Daphne

“Gavin was the most kind and thoughtful man you could ever meet.”

Helen also paid tribute to those who looked after Gavin during his time at St Rocco’s, adding: “The staff there have been exceptional, and they became his extended family.

“They loved to have banter with Gav and I know they all feel his loss terribly. He loved them all, and myself and his family are exceptionally grateful for the love and support they gave.”

Gavin’s funeral will take place at The Manchester Crematorium in Chorlton-cum-Hardy on Monday, August 15, which will be a full police funeral.

It is expected that more than 200 people will be in attendance to remember him.