THE memory of a much-loved dad continues to live on, thanks to his daughter’s work with a brain tumour charity.

Stuart Kennedy passed away in 2013 following a gruelling six-month battle with the illness after a surprise diagnosis.

He had showed few signs of ill health and spent most of his days caring for his granddaughter.

Not knowing how to cope with the diagnosis, his daughter Carol Cochrane left her part-time job and cared for him at his home until he died at the age of 72.

The Gazette: Stuart with his parents, Rena and Bill Stuart with his parents, Rena and Bill

The painful process was made much easier after Carol discovered the brainstrust – a charity which works to support patients and their families during the various stages of brain tumour diagnosis.

Six years later, she now works with patients all across Scotland as a support specialist to ensure they never have to feel the same loneliness her family suffered.

“We don’t want anyone to feel as alone as we did,” said Carol.

“My dad had shown absolutely no symptoms and only went to the doctor because he had pins and needles in his foot. They initially thought it was stroke but it soon became clear it was a tumour.

The Gazette: Carol and her dad Stuart Carol and her dad Stuart

“I discovered the brainstrust, who helped to support me. After he died, I got involved with the charity and haven’t looked back.”

The whole Kennedy clan has got behind the cause.

Carol, who lives in Paisley, has overcome her fear of heights by skydiving, while her daughter Elise runs bake sales in memory of her grandfather, who was from Barrhead.

One of Carol’s biggest achievements during her time with the charity has been the creation of the brain box. Designed to meet the individual needs of patients and their carers, the free box is filled with essential items to support and provide information during the process.

Carol, 50, added: “Hopefully we can use our experience to help people and ensure they don’t suffer like we did.”

Anyone who would like to know more should visit www.brainstrust.org.uk or send an email to carol@brainstrust.org.