Wayne and Wendy’s story began at the age of 11 when they first met at school. Fate, in the form of a knock at the door, brought them back together years later. From that moment on, the pair were inseparable. What started as friendship, transformed into a first kiss three weeks later and the realisation of love in front of the picturesque Warwick Castle.
A whirlwind romance, that led to a magical Christmas engagement, a wedding in the Spring, aged 19, and a beautiful son Russell.
Wayne was an outspoken, kind, generous, and caring man. A welder, machine fitter, and hard worker with a love for flamboyant shirts, billiards, and sports cars.
“My rough diamond, my best friend” – Wendy
It was during 1991, that Wayne started to struggle eating and unexpectedly lost three stone in weight. He was initially diagnosed and treated for indigestion, and then an ulcer. Numerous appointments and scans uncovered the unimaginable, a form of cancer known as Oesophageal cancer.
Wayne was diagnosed on a Friday and underwent an extensive operation the following Monday to remove the cancer, his stomach, rib, and part of his lung, as well as cutting his vocal cords making it nearly impossible for Wayne to speak for three months. The operation left Wayne with painful scar tissue around his rib.
Aged only 37, and his son Russell 6 at the time, Wayne was predicted a devastating life expectancy of three years.
Incredibly, Wayne’s sheer determination led him to outlive both his predicted life expectancy and initial operation. Wayne journeyed through three difficult decades of numerous appointments, scans, procedures, and operations whilst Wendy worked three jobs, and together, they raised their son.
“Wayne was a strong character, who dealt with everything in his stride and wouldn’t let anything beat him”
Until 2020, when extreme tiredness and an inability to move one of his legs led to an MRI and the heartbreaking diagnosis of prostate cancer. The unstoppable cancer that had spread to his bones left him with the sole option of pain relief.
An unwavering character, who remained determined to ensure Wendy’s well-being even after his lifetime, constructed a garden fence, painted the kitchen, and ensured she had the loving companionship of a dog.
When the symptoms became too severe, Wayne spent a number of days within our Hospice In-patient Unit. Although, choosing to spend his last few days at home with his beloved family.
“Wayne loved it at the Hospice as he felt safe. The doctors and nurses were able to control his pain and were all so lovely. He enjoyed being there as it gave him a sense of security”
Even Wayne’s last words to Wendy echoed his lifelong character of compassion and thoughtfulness “I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused you”. Wayne’s battle with cancer was never viewed as a burden by Wendy and their unconditional love was a blessing. “And promise me that you’ll give something back to the Hospice”.
A billiard cue salute, the release of white doves from a heart-shaped wicker basket, and the creation of an annual Memorial Ticer Cup. All fitting tributes to one incredible soul. The Memorial Ticer Cup billiards tournament will be an annual event raising funds in memory of Wayne Ticer for Weston Hospicecare. All money raised will go towards providing patients and their families, like Wayne and Wendy, with essential care and support during their end-of-life pathway. Thank you.
If you would like to donate in memory of a loved one and give a family like Wayne and Wendy’s the quality, end-of-life care they deserve, click here.