Martin Paul Dawkins (14 Feb 1955 - 15 Mar 2018)

In loving memory of Martin Paul Dawkins who sadly passed away on 15th March 2018, a loving husband to his wife Karen and father to his daughter Lucy.

As this is a very difficult time for Karen and Lucy, they have as yet been unable to compile a biography. However, Ross Crombie, one of Martin's friends has kindly agreed to write a short piece about Martin which both Karen and Lucy feel represents a true and accurate summary of Martin - an inspirational 63 year young man.

Martin Dawkins - A "full now thanks" life. - Written by Ross Crombie on 15th March 2018.

Martin was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour nearly 3 years ago, which he was told was probably terminal, and he'd have but 12-18 months left to live.

Yah Boo Sucks, he was still with us up until this week.

Martin and I knew each other from both working for Boots. We worked in the same team together for a while, we played Rugby together too, and we ambled round Rushcliffe Park as well on a Saturday, and in Martin's case in rain or shine. He also volunteered on many an occasion. When people meet Martin for the first time, the general reaction is the same: "Blimey, he's tall"; "Crikey, what an incredibly positive bloke"; and "Wow, what an extraordinarily generous and kind man".

I won't comment further on his height, although it did come in handy at line outs on the windswept Rugby fields of Nottinghamshire, but let's face it, he wouldn't want to be defined by height alone, if at all! One of the many qualities Martin had was also his modesty, so he'd probably hate me for writing a gushing piece about him. Perhaps I'll tone the gush down a bit. Perhaps.

It would have been understandable if Martin had reacted to his diagnosis by hunkering down in his lovely house in Wysall and waiting for his moment. Oh no. How Martin responded to his illness has been an inspiration to me, and I know others have said the same. He ran some. He ran some more. His running was his freedom, he once told me. And of course his running was something he could do with his daughter Lucy (or 'Nip' as he called her) who of course he idolised, and the feeling was mutual. It would be one thing to run a parkrun either at 'home' at Rushcliffe, or away at Seaton in Devon (probably others too), Santa Fun Runs, Wyre Forest and more, but is that enough? No, together with Lucy he only goes and runs the London Marathon, as recently as April last year. Maybe this was something for himself, maybe something for himself and Lucy, but it was primarily for others, raising money for the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre based at Nottingham Trent Uni, where Martin has also been a lecturer and volunteer since leaving corporate life at Boots.

This is a continuing theme for Martin. Many know him better than me, and will know of far more stuff that he got up to, but volunteering was increasingly the name of the game. He'd often be seen at Loughborough University and Trent Bridge, not just organising volunteers, but specifically helping those less able, ironically given his own condition. What a lovely bloke, giving of his time, his comfort, his support. We can probably all learn a thing or two from his example.

I'll miss Martin, anyone who met him will do likewise, whether it was the incredible phone calls I'd overhear at work as he tirelessly engaged and championed the Airport stores' management teams in his last role, his cheery disposition, or more specifically, his wicked sense of humour. Along with three friends from the old days, we took Martin to the Windmill at Wymeswold just before Christmas for a beer and a meal. When asked if he'd chosen his dessert, Martin feigned confusion and said he couldn't decide, and would it be possible to have a taster of one dessert. Then another. Then another. Five tasters later and he said he was "full now thanks".

Martin Dawkins - a full now thanks life.

Ross Crombie