Family fundraiser to send off beloved great-grandad who died of dementia after wife's intensive care ordeal

A family is raising money to give their beloved patriarch the “goodbye he truly deserves” after his death following a “long and courageous journey with dementia”.

Patrick McGahan, who was 75, died earlier this month, 10 years after he was diagnosed with a cruel neurodegenerative disease.

Patrick, a former bricklayer, had moved to Rugeley with his wife Sadie and his children in 1982 and made a life in Staffordshire.

But in 2016 they were given news that would have devastated any family.

“Patrick was diagnosed with dementia in 2016,” his granddaughter Megan McGahan said. “Although the disease gradually changed his life, it never changed the man he was at heart. He remained funny, kind, caring and full of character, always finding a way to make people laugh.”

Megan said that for many years Patrick was cared for at home by Sadie and their daughter Linda, “whose unwavering love, patience and dedication helped him remain at home for as long as possible”.

He moved into a specialist care home in Cannock after becoming seriously unwell late last year, and was cared for there until his death earlier this month.

Megan said: “His warmth, humour and cheeky personality touched everyone who knew him, and he was loved not only by his family and friends, but also by the carers and fellow residents who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Patrick lived in Rugeley after moving there with his wife and children from Essex. He was a bricklayer, a fisherman and a local man who would do anything for anyone.

“Together, Patrick and Sadie shared a lifetime of love, raising three children and filling their home with generations of memories. Their home was the heart of our family, a place where everyone was welcome, the kettle was always on, and there was always someone calling in for a chat.

“One thing was guaranteed - the TV would never stay on the same channel for more than a few minutes because Patrick was always flicking through them! It’s one of the many little things we’ll always laugh about and remember with a smile.

“Their home was filled with love, laughter and memories that will stay with us forever.

“Last year, our family faced one of the most difficult times of our lives when Sadie underwent major surgery. Tragically, the operation did not go to plan, and for a long time we didn’t know if she would make it home to us.

“She spent time on a ventilator in intensive care before remaining in hospital for almost a year. Even now, she continues to be admitted to hospital regularly as she lives with the life-changing complications she has been left with.

“For Patrick, this was heart-breaking. After spending a lifetime together, he simply couldn’t understand why the love of his life wasn’t by his side. Dementia had already stolen so much from him, but nothing was harder than watching him search for Sadie, asking when she was coming home and struggling to make sense of a world that had suddenly changed. Their visits were often short and confusing for him, leaving us all heartbroken.

“As the months passed, Patrick’s condition deteriorated. We truly believe the worry, the disruption to the life they had built together, and being apart from Sadie after so many years had a profound impact on him. As a family, we did everything we could to surround him with the same love, comfort and reassurance that he had spent his lifetime giving to us.

“In September 2025, Patrick became seriously unwell. He developed a urinary tract infection, suffered a stroke, and we later discovered he had also experienced a heart attack. Following treatment at New Cross Hospital, he was moved to a care home in Cannock, where he received the specialist care and comfort he needed as his dementia progressed.

“Despite everything he faced, Patrick never lost the qualities that made him so special. His sense of humour remained, he still found ways to make those around him smile, and he was loved not only by his family but also by the carers and residents who had the privilege of knowing him. Despite his dementia, he continued to recognise so many of the people he loved, and for that we will always be grateful.

“Patrick passed away peacefully at his care home in Cannock. Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering and is finally at peace.

Crowdfunding

“Patrick dedicated his life to his family. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Sadie, three children, seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and countless family members and friends who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him. His legacy is one of love, laughter, resilience and unwavering devotion to the people who meant the most to him.”

Now the family is crowdfunding to help with Patrick’s funeral expenses to take some of the strain from Sadie, who lost her job due to her own health issues.

Megan explained: “As we come to terms with losing such an incredible man, we are also facing the unexpected financial burden of arranging his funeral. Throughout her illness, Sadie has relied on her pension after sadly losing her job because of the life-changing complications from her surgery. Like so many families, the rising cost of living has made an already heartbreaking time even more difficult.

“Our only wish is to give Patrick the loving and dignified farewell he deserves - a send-off that reflects the wonderful man he was and the love he gave so freely throughout his life.

“Every contribution will go directly towards Patrick’s funeral costs and will help ease some of the financial pressure on Sadie and our family during this incredibly difficult time.”

To donate, visit https://gofund.me/751fdc862.