A tribute to our dad

Our dad, Karlos, was a man of kindness and laughter, who cared deeply about those he loved. He was a fun and energetic man whose presence could light up a room, particularly, when he was on the dance floor! 

To Quinn and I, he was a dad who was adventurous, who influenced our love of football and Liverpool Football Club and a dad who was also deeply invested in our passions—particularly on the side of a football pitch! 

But like so many others, he carried the heavy burden of alcoholism, which ultimately led to his passing from cirrhosis in September 2023. 

We share his story to honour his memory, to acknowledge the complexities of his life, and to support Nacoa’s vital work in helping families like ours navigate the challenges of addiction.

Dad had a way of making everyone feel special. Whether he was teaching us how to tie our shoe laces, or teaching us how to make homemade pizzas from scratch, or simply sitting with us watching the football, his love was a constant in our lives. 

He was the kind of person who always wanted to try new things, even the most daring of rollercoasters, and he could lift anyone’s spirits with his humour.

His battle with alcohol

But behind his bright smile, he fought a silent battle with alcohol—one that shaped not only his life but ours as well.

In our early teenage years, we didn’t always understand why Dad’s moods would shift or why some days he seemed so far away. As teenagers, we felt the weight of his struggle in ways we couldn’t yet name—moments of confusion, worry, and unspoken questions.

It wasn’t until we were older that we learned about alcoholism and its ripple effects on families. We saw how it strained relationships, created uncertainty, and left us grappling with feelings of love mixed with pain.

Losing Dad to cirrhosis

Losing Dad to cirrhosis, due to alcoholism, was heartbreaking and the most difficult period of our lives. Even now, it is a moment of profound grief and reflection that will always stay with us. 

We watched him face his illness with courage, even as it took so much from him. There were moments of hope—days when he’d promise to fight, to try, to be there for us. And there were days when the disease, both physical and emotional, seemed to do more damage. The Covid-19 lockdown was a period of significant difficulty for him.

Through it all, we loved him fiercely, holding onto the man we knew he was at his core, and he always reminded us of how much he loved us. 

Grieving for moments stolen by addiction

We grieve the time we wish we’d had with him, the moments stolen by addiction and illness. The fact that he won’t be at our weddings one day or, if we are fortunate to do so, to see us become fathers ourselves is truly heartbreaking. 

But we’re also grateful for the love he gave us, the lessons he taught us, that we can share with our future children, and the resilience we’ve found in ourselves. It reminds us that addiction is a disease—one that affects not just the person struggling but everyone who loves them. 

We want to share our Dad’s story with Nacoa because we believe in their mission to support children and families affected by alcoholism.

No child should feel alone in the confusion and pain of a parent’s addiction. Nacoa’s helpline, resources, and community provide a space for young people to understand feelings and find hope, even in the hardest moments. Their work ensures that others don’t have to navigate this journey in silence.

A huge thank you to the charity for all that you do. 

Running in Dad’s memory

In memory of our incredible dad, we’re committed to raising awareness about alcoholism and its impact. On the 12th of October, alongside our uncle, Quinn and I will be running the West Coast Half Marathon for Nacoa, and in tribute to our late dad. 

This is a poignant day for us, as this date will mark 2 years since we laid our dad to rest. The run will start in our dad’s hometown of Preston and will end at Lytham St Anne’s, where he last lived before he passed away. 

We want to mark this anniversary by running this half marathon, in honour of his memory, and it is our way of trying to contribute towards helping Nacoa in funding their vital services, through our fundraising efforts. 

Any donations would be greatly appreciated. 

Dad’s love lives on

We hope his story inspires others to seek help, to talk openly.

Our dad may be no longer with us, but his love lives on in us—through every laugh we share, every story we tell, every Liverpool game we watch and every step we take to support others.

To Dad

Thank you for the love you gave and the strength you showed. We carry you with us always, and through Nacoa, we hope to help others find the support we so deeply needed. 

Rest in peace, Frewey, knowing your legacy lives on in the lives you touched, the hope you’ve inspired, and in Quinn and I every day. 

We miss you more than we can ever say. You’ll be with us and in our thoughts every step of the way during the Half Marathon. It’s for you, Dad! 

You’ll never walk alone. 

Love always, 

Your boys

Charlie and Quinn, Ages 23 and 20

To read more experience stories, go to Support & Advice.