Graham 'Bill' Duffy dies at his home in Rushenden
00:01, 17 August 2017
A family has been left stunned by the sudden death of father-of-three Graham 'Bill' Duffy, aged 32.
He died in bed at his home in Rushenden.
He leaves a partner Vickie Packer and their sons James, 11, Connor, six, and Bill Jnr, the youngest, who had his first birthday on Monday.
Mr Duffy was a full-time carer for his father Geoffrey, 63, who has Alzheimer's and lives in Queenborough.
His mother Pat Duffy, 61, said: "We are all terribly shocked. It was completely unexpected.
"There was no warning whatsoever. There were no symptoms. It's a complete mystery.”
A online crowd-funding page has been set up by Mr Duffy’s cousin to help cover the estimated £2,000 funeral costs and to raise money for the children.
By Tuesday night it had already raised £620.
Mrs Duffy said: “It would be good to take the children away after the funeral to help them get back to normal.
"We all have to be strong for them. My son doted on them. He was either with them or with my husband.
“It’s such a huge loss. He was loved by everyone and would always offer help.”
"He was everything to the family...you don't plan for your youngest son to die at 32" - Terry Drury
Her brother Terry Drury said: “The family was not prepared for this.
"At such a young age he hadn’t sorted out a pension or life insurance.
“The family is devastated. He was everything to the family. You don't plan for your youngest son to die at 32.
"You don’t plan for these sorts of things. If anyone can help, the family would be grateful.”
Mr Duffy died last Thursday. He was the youngest of three children.
He leaves a brother Wayne, 32, in Well Road, Rushenden, and sister Sarah, 39, in Swale Avenue, Sheerness.
His funeral will be at Bobbing crematorium at noon on Thursday, August 31.
Mrs Duffy said: “Everyone who knew him is welcome. They can send flowers but donations to the family would really be appreciated.”
Mr Duffy had been preparing to take the family on a caravanning and camping holiday over the August Bank Holiday.
- To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/billduffy
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