Burnley father and son die within 48 hours in cancer tragedy

A BRAVE dad-of-three who battled back from horrific injuries after being hit by a lorry has died of cancer two days before his beloved father.

Geoff Hardman, of Harold Avenue, was just given a 1% chance of survival after an articulated truck ran him over five years ago but he pulled through against all odds.

The 56-year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year but lost his fight with the disease last Wednesday.

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The family then suffered a second tragedy when Mr Hardman’s father and best friend Bill (84) died in hospital 48 hours later after a two-year battle with prostate cancer.

Sonia Hardman (23) described her dad as the “bravest man in the world” who lived for his family and always had a smile on his face.

She said that her dad and grandad helped each other through their cancer battles.

“Grandad always took Dad to all his chemotherapy appointments. He came round every night to see him since the accident to make sure he was all right. He just wanted to be there for him.”

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Mr Hardman’s wife of 25 years Gayna described him as a “real fighter” after he managed to walk again five months after a truck crushed his leg in an accident at work. She thanked staff at Burnley General Hospital intensive care for saving his life and giving them five more “special” years with him.

“He was so, so brave,” she said. “He was going through so much but always kept a smile on his face. He never once complained.”

He was told by doctors last Wednesday he had three days to live but 30 minutes later he died surrounded by his family.

Then on Friday the family received the devastating news mechanic Mr Hardman sen. had died in hospital.

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Mr Hardman sen. did not talk about his illness and fixed cars for friends until weeks before his death. He was married to the late Kathleen, who died eight years ago.

A joint funeral will be held today at Burnley Crematorium. Mr Hardman jun. is survived by wife Gayna and children Sonia, Richard and Stephanie.

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