'Truly great person': Tributes to veteran dad and husband after tragic death at 34
“People who knew Kez described him as one of the nicest people you could ever meet and someone whose kindness stays with you.”
Tributes have begun to pour in for a veteran and father-of-two from Blackpool who has sadly died following a battle with cancer at just 34.
Kieron ‘Kez’ Halsall, from Blackpool, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma from an unknown primary source, and sadly died last week after a strong fight with the disease.
A veteran from the Royal Logistics Corps, Kieron served his country for a number of years, including several spent stationed in the Falkland Islands.
A GoFundMe has now been launched in his memory. Garry Dawson, a friend of Kieron’s who set up the GoFundMe, said; “The cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, with lesions affecting his spine and the lining of his brain.
“As a result, he had suffered temporary loss of sight in his right eye due to pressure caused by the disease, as well as enduring constant pain throughout his body. He is now pain free and at rest.
“After leaving the Army, Kez built a successful landscaping business and continued giving back to his community. As a member of the fundraising group The Burlyesque Boys, he played a key role in helping raise more than £10,000 for Mind UK, supporting people struggling with mental health challenges.”
Kez leaves behind his wife, Gina, and their two children. All funds raised from the GoFundMe will go towards supporting them and paying any funeral costs.
A 26-mile charity walk from Lancaster Castle to Blackpool Tower has been set up in honour of Kez, and will take place on October 3rd. “This journey is especially meaningful because it reflects Kez's own life journey,” Garry Dawson added.
Kez was also a popular member of a number of local football groups, including Smile FC, Fleetwood Town Veterans and Blackpool FC Veterans. Kez’s former teammates at Fleetwood Town paid tribute to him, saying: “Kez was an active member of our veteran group, and the Fleetwood Veterans team are missing a truly great person
“People who knew Kez described him as one of the nicest people you could ever meet and someone whose kindness stays with you. Everyone on the team knew Kez was the rock, and we're all going to miss you so much. Your light will continue to shine through everyone who loves you.”
“He spent much of his youth in Lancaster, a place filled with happy memories, before moving to Blackpool to build a life with Gina and raise their family. By walking from Lancaster Castle to Blackpool Tower, I hope to honour that journey and show him just how many people are standing beside him.
“Every single donation, no matter how small, will go directly to Gina to help them create the most beautiful send off.”
More details about the walk for Kez and donations can be found here.