If you’re lucky in life, you get to know someone who shows you what it really means to be a good person. Someone kind, loyal, strong, and always there when you need them.
For me, that person is my dad.
And today he turns 85.
MY Biggest Supporter
He is, in every way possible, a remarkable man, my best friend and my biggest supporter, he is amazingly fit and sprightly, and I am incredibly proud of him.
The last few months must have been remarkably hard for him. As a father, I’m sure you never imagine you might have to look after, and possibly outlive, your own son, but that is exactly what he has been faced with (as an aside I am determined to see him off, but with him being so well health-wise I can see him going on for another 20 years!).
My whole life my dad has always been right there for me, right by my side. When I was growing up he was at every football game, every cross country race, every sports day, cheering me on come rain or shine.
Then when I started playing men’s football, every Saturday or Sunday he would be on the sidelines every week without fail, becoming as much a part of the squad as any of the players.
Just the Two of Us
In 2001, we were brought even closer when my mum died. My mum and dad had been together since they were teenagers, got married in 1963, and went through a lot before my mum gave birth to me, their only child in 1979.
I remember getting home that mid-November night in 2001, sitting down and my dad looked at me and said, “Well… it’s just you and me now, Steven.”
He was devastated, and for him, at the relatively young age of 60 life was never going to be the same.
For a couple of years life was tough for both of us, then three years later he met Sanchia and I saw the old Don Mandaluff returning!
When Life Turned the Tables
When my mum passed away, with us both by her bedside, neither of us would have imagined that the next time we were in a situation like that it would be my life in jeopardy. But that is exactly what happened when I had my seizure on 18 August 2025.
I cannot even imagine how tough the months since have been for my dad, especially when I went in for surgery on 10 September 2025. We stayed overnight near King’s College Hospital and got up at 5:30am to walk the 30 minutes to the hospital so we could be there for 6am. I’m pretty sure neither of us slept much the night before.
My dad then had to spend four hours in limbo while I was having brain surgery, waiting to hear how things had gone. He must have left the hospital around 8.30pm that night to get the train home, before coming back to see me again the next day. That would be a long day for anyone, let alone someone who was 84.
Since then, as I cannot drive for two years, he has become my own personal chauffeur, driving me to every one of my 30 radiotherapy sessions and numerous blood tests and appointments.
At the same time, he also had to contend with his last living sibling being seriously ill and spent his time trying to visit him as much as possible (he unfortunately died in November 2025).
My Hero
My dad never moans, never talks about people behind their backs and will do anything for anyone. He is incredibly strong and without doubt the kindest, most caring person I know.
Everything I know about being a decent person I learned from him (and also my mum).
He is my hero and my best friend (and I know he will be crying now as he reads this!).
Happy 85th Birthday to the greatest man I know, whatever happens in the years ahead, I will always be proud to be his son.
Oh my goodness, I’m crying now!
It had the same effect on my dad! Thanks Jan!
What a beautiful blog about your amazing Dad. I think you’re a chip off the old block Steve!
Sending birthday wishes to your wonderful Dad. X
Thank you Claire, very much appreciated!
Steve, What a lovely, touching tribute to your Dad. We fully agree with everything you’ve said about Don, our friend. Always there for us. Lots of lovely family memories with your mum. (Sandra’s already crying!)
Happy Birthday to Don!
With love,
Gordon and Sandra
Thank you both, I’ve told my dad you have left a comment!
Steve what can I say…wow such lovely words to say about our Don, your dad, you are both amazing strong people. Happy Birthday Don, sending love to all 🤍🤍
Thanks Max 🙂 x
Beautiful words. Happy (belated) birthday Uncle Don!!
You are both a huge inspirations to me x
Thank you Nat! x
Fabulous totally agree 👍
Thanks Doug!
Happy Birthday to your dad, Steve. Beautiful words. See you soon ❤️
Thanks Sam, see you soon!
Happy Birthday Don… what lovely words from Steve. Great to see you on Saturday and hope you’ve had a great match milestone birthday 😉 🎂 xx
Lovely to see you as well Alison, we all really enjoyed it! See you soon! x
Uncle Don, totally agree with everything and I’m so pleased I didn’t hurt you when I threw my scholl sandal at you xxxxx
Thanks Nicola, and I am sure he has forgiven you for that by now! x
What a tribute to you both. Happy Birthday Don you are both so very proud of each other. Beautiful pictures of Val , so much sadness but so much strength.
You both have my fullest admiration. XX
Thank you Stella, very kind words.
Phew – you’ve got me there, Steve! A beautifully written tribute that says so much about both of you wonderful humans. Sending love to you both to stay strong, healthy and happy x
Thank you Mary! x
Dear Steve, you are both amazing and we love you both. Loved the photo of your mum, out friend Val. XX
Thank you Jan!