Daventry taxi driver’s daughter raises funds for Parkinson’s UK in memory of “wonderful, caring” dad

Katie Dixon-Hancock paid tribute to her “wonderful, caring” dad Garry Draper, who lost his battle with the disease on February 2, aged 74.

She said: “Dad was the most wonderful man.

“He was strong, kind, caring just amazing.”

Katie said her dad, who was a much-loved driver in the industry, went into hospital on January 23 after a series of falls.

She added: “My dad quickly declined.

“He became very confused and disorientated and lost his ability to swallow due to Parkinson’s. He had worked up to the age of 70, but rapidly got worse in those four years.”

Katie, who has a brother, Stuart and sister, Amy, has been raising money for Parkinson’s UK in his honour.

“There is no cure for Parkinson’s and I really want to help others to not have to go through what we have been through,” she said.

“Friends and family have been very kind, but I have also held bidding auctions through my Body Shop at Home business.

“I also have an auction starting March 18 where businesses have very kindly donated products. People will get to bid and all the money raised will go to the charity.”

The cause is also important to Katie because her father-in-law, John Hancock, also has the disease.

She said: “He has also deteriorated, but the strength I see in him daily humbles me.

“They say the cruellest things happen to the nicest of people and that’s why helping others is so important to me.”

The auction link is available at www.facebook.com/groups/258752215900173/?ref=share, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/inmemoryofmydadgarry