Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody pays tribute to his father who died days before Christmas 

Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody asks fans to ‘please raise a glass’ to his dementia-hit father who died days before Christmas

  • Jack Lightbody suffered from dementia and passed away days before Christmas 
  • His son Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody has paid tribute to his father
  • Asked his followers to ‘raise a glass’ to the ‘funniest man I’ve ever known’
  • Also praised his mum Lynne and Oakmont Care Home for caring for him

Gary Lightbody has paid a beautiful tribute to his father after losing him just days before Christmas.

The Snow Patrol frontman, 43, said that he ‘doesn’t know what life looks like’ following the passing of his father Jack Lightbody, who had been hit by dementia.

He announced the devastating news on social media today, saying he had not posted of his grief earlier to avoid ‘making anyone sad’ over Christmas.

In a heartfelt message accompanied by several family photos, he praised his father as the ‘funniest man I’ve ever known’ who continued to be a source of joy even as he suffered in the grip of the illness.

The Snow Patrol frontman, 43, said that he ‘doesn’t know what life looks like’ following his father Jack Lightbody’s passing

In a heartfelt message he praised his 'titan' mum Lynne for looking after Jack for years during his illness, and Oakmont Care Home in Bangor, Northern Ireland for helping to care for him for the last eight months

In a heartfelt message he praised his ‘titan’ mum Lynne for looking after Jack for years during his illness, and Oakmont Care Home in Bangor, Northern Ireland for helping to care for him for the last eight months

Having had a quiet funeral service on Christmas Eve with family and close friends, the singer decided to share a few words about his father.

‘He was the funniest man I’ve ever known. Even in the depths of his dementia he could still be as sharp and hilarious as ever at times,’ said Gary.

‘He was also the most social person I ever knew. He could talk to anyone. I’m an introvert so I’m shy around strangers but he would walk into a room full of strangers and within ten mins know all their names and their stories and be having the craic with them all. 

He continued: ‘All my friends that knew him loved him. The messages I got when they found out were of heartbreak but also each of my friends have been telling me stories of how my dad made them laugh and I’m so glad that all of people’s memories of him seem to be of happy times.

'He was the funniest man I’ve ever known. Even in the depths of his dementia he could still be as sharp and hilarious as ever at times,' said Gary

‘He was the funniest man I’ve ever known. Even in the depths of his dementia he could still be as sharp and hilarious as ever at times,’ said Gary

'He was also the most social person I ever knew. He could talk to anyone. I'm an introvert so I'm shy around strangers but he would walk into a room full of strangers and within ten mins know all their names and their stories and be having the craic with them all'

‘He was also the most social person I ever knew. He could talk to anyone. I’m an introvert so I’m shy around strangers but he would walk into a room full of strangers and within ten mins know all their names and their stories and be having the craic with them all’

'All my friends that knew him loved him. The messages I got when they found out were of heartbreak but also each of my friends have been telling me stories of how my dad made them laugh and I’m so glad that all of people’s memories of him seem to be of happy times'

‘All my friends that knew him loved him. The messages I got when they found out were of heartbreak but also each of my friends have been telling me stories of how my dad made them laugh and I’m so glad that all of people’s memories of him seem to be of happy times’

‘My mum Lynne looked after him in his illness for years and her strength in all this has been a mighty thing to behold. She is a titan.

‘Also my mum, my sister Sarah (who is also a titan) and my awesome niece Honey and myself would like to say a massive thank you to the staff at Oakmont Care Home for their wonderful care of him over the last eight months.

‘If anyone met my dad at an SP [Snow Patrol] gig or feels like they know him through the songs I wrote about him (Soon, I Think Of Home, Lifening) then, if you like, please raise a glass to him the next time you have a wee drink and say ‘cheers big jack’.

‘He would’ve liked that. I don’t know what life looks like without him, I can’t even comprehend it, but he’ll be in my heart and all my family’s hearts for the rest of our lives. I love you dad. There were none like you. Your son, gary.x’    

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? THE KILLER DISEASE THAT ROBS SUFFERERS OF THEIR MEMORIES

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological disorders

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological disorders

A GLOBAL CONCERN 

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.

There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.

Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.

Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.

Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?

The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer’s.

It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million.

In the US, it’s estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer’s sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years.

As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.

Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.

IS THERE A CURE?

Currently there is no cure for dementia.

But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.

Source: Alzheimer’s Society 

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