Walking in Memory of My Dad, Muhammad Rahman

Tania Rahman shares why she and her family will be taking part in the Saint Francis Hospice Memory Walk in Raphael Park, Romford on Sunday 6 September to honour her dad, Dr Muhammad Rahman.  

Although we think about and remember my dad all the time, the Memory Walk feels like a more expressive way to do this. It is something we will physically be doing together where we can remember him, while also remembering the people and place that helped make his final days peaceful. It is also an opportunity to support a hospice that means so much to our family and has helped so many others.  

A kind, generous and dependable man

My dad was a very kind, generous and dependable man. He was always there whenever needed, often stepping in to help before being asked. He took on other people's problems as if they were his own and was a very safe place to turn to. He was a strong and constant source of support throughout my life.  

He had a great sense of humour and loved to joke around. Watching him with my children was really special and I am so thankful that he got to spend quality time with both of them. I admired him enormously, not just as my dad but as the kind of person he was. He touched the lives of many people. It is difficult to fully describe what he meant to our family or just how much he is missed, but we feel incredibly lucky to have had a truly wonderful father, husband and grandfather.

Muhammad died peacefully at Saint Francis Hospice

My dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in February 2024. He had chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but sadly the cancer progressed. He remained relatively well until nearer the end, before being admitted to Saint Francis Hospice for end-of-life care. He died peacefully there in January 2025.  

Everyone at the hospice made us feel very supported, from the doctors and nurses to the healthcare assistants and volunteers. It was the first time our family had experienced anything like this and it was such a comfort to be somewhere where the staff are so used to dealing with these situations. It immediately put us at ease and felt like a very safe place to be.  

The team spent time talking with us, discussing any concerns we had and making sure my dad was as comfortable as possible. When his condition deteriorated, they moved him to a side room where we could have privacy as a family. We were able to be together in his final moments in a peaceful and safe place where all of his needs had been taken care of. That is something we will be eternally grateful for.  

We could focus on being his daughter, wife and son

For us, hospice care was invaluable. Having so many professionals around us, all focused on making my dad's final days as comfortable as possible, meant we could focus on simply being his daughter, wife and son and treasure being together as a complete family during those final days.  

There are many moments where losing someone feels unreal, and grief is such an individual experience. Coming together at the Memory Walk gives us the opportunity to remember my dad, reflect on everything we went through as a family and remember the support we were fortunate enough to receive at one of the most difficult times in our lives. Once you have had an experience like this, you feel intertwined with the hospice. Taking part in the Memory Walk feels like a way to honour my dad's memory while also helping a place that did so much for us.  

Join at at the Memory Walk

If you are remembering someone special, please join us at the Saint Francis Hospice Memory Walk. Every step helps support the hospice and ensures more families can receive the same care, comfort and support that meant so much to ours.