Hi, I'm sorry for your lose Daisy. You words have really helped me. I've spoken to him over the last few days, just lighthearted conversations. It's clear he is struggling also and doesn't want to burden anyone but he has agreed to meet me and his granddaughter between Christmas and New Year. I can't wait to give him a huge cuddle and let him know I am here anytime night or day. We still have time to make a few more memories and this I am very grateful for, many don't get that chance. Like you I'd have wished he'd have told me sooner so we could face this together. I'd have been even more heartbroken than I am if he'd had said nothing to me. We've always been a team and although we don't see each other for months on end we talk almost everyday putting the world to rights. Thank you for replying. 

Yes, finding out from an A&E doctor shortly before he died was tough, my poor dad couldn't bear to tell me.  I then had to call my brother to come asap. Not knowing his diagnosis made it hard for me to look after him that week before at home as I didn't know what was  happening.  People who live round the corner to their families don't realise how hard the distance thing is.  It is a shock to find out,  but just being there is the best thing you can do xxxx