Torquay man dies at 27 after battling kidney disease

Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of a Torquay man who died recently at the age of 27 after a lengthy battle with chronic kidney disease.

Known by friends and family as Deccy, Declan Brealey was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, admired for his kindness and positivity.

Diagnosed with kidney disease shortly after birth, doctors told his family he wouldn’t live beyond the age of five. However, Deccy defied all expectations, living more than five times that grim estimate. Despite undergoing dialysis three times a week, he was always smiling and ready to help anyone in need.

Deccy died earlier this month after suffering a heart attack while resting at home in bed. At the time, he was awaiting a heart valve replacement.

A GoFundMe campaign, set up in the name of his younger sister Sasha, has raised £3,360 to date, surpassing its original goal of £1,500, to cover funeral costs.

The funeral will be held on February 6, with the wake taking place at the Boots and Laces bar at Torquay United Football Club's Plainmoor ground.

Born on February 6, 1997, Deccy was the middle child of five siblings and lived at home in Torquay with his mum, Sarah Brealey, and younger brother and sister.

He attended Homelands and Westlands Primary Schools in Torquay and was affectionately described by his mum Sarah, and aunt, Liz, as “a bit of a jack the lad.”

Deccy began to thrive in school after moving to the Polsham Centre, which offered a more practical approach to education. He enjoyed his time there so much that he remained in touch with his teachers throughout his life.

After leaving school at 16, Deccy joined McDonald’s, where his brother, who was the manager, helped him secure a job.

While working there, he also pursued a painting and decorating course in Newton Abbot, followed by a security course, both of which he paid for himself. 

His independence and determination shone through during this time.

Deccy briefly left Torquay for three months after he was transferred to a London-based McDonald's.

He would have chosen to stay there for longer, but his partner at the time was eager to move back to Torquay.

He was a security guard for a couple of years and worked on the door of the popular Torquay nightclub Park Lane, at ASDA, and also did a shift at Factory Row.

Unfortunately, his career as a security guard came to an end when his medical consultant advised him to stop working while undergoing dialysis.

Liz said: “He was devastated by it because he’d always worked. He wasn’t someone who wanted to sit down—he would help anyone.”

Dialysis greatly impacted Deccy’s life. He received treatment three times a week, and the fistula in his arm limited his ability to do physical work due to the associated risks.

He grew distant from his friends, though maintained his closest friendships, and he relied heavily on his mum and younger siblings.

Liz explained: “He was very proud. He didn’t like people to see him on his bad days. He wanted to keep his dignity for as long as he could—and he managed to do that.”

Despite these challenges, Deccy made the most of life. His lifelong dream of travelling abroad came true just before Christmas when he spent three days holidaying in Portugal after receiving his passport. He was also a passionate Manchester United fan and had the chance to watch them play with his elder brother and niece before Christmas, witnessing a rare win.

Deccy enjoyed playing and watching football with friends, fishing, and attending large-scale events like Torquay’s Electric Bay Festival. 

Popular with the ladies, he was a gentleman on dates but chose not to commit to a relationship because of his reduced life expectancy.

He had a natural talent with children, adoring his six cousins, niece, and nephew.

Deccy took on a fatherly role for his nephew, ensuring he had a male figure in his life.

Though Deccy wanted to help teach his younger relatives important life skills such as riding a bike, his illness eventually made this impossible.

Liz added: “Everyone said what a lovely lad he was and how helpful he was. There was an older gentleman who attended dialysis with him, and Deccy always made sure he got home safely, either driving him in his car or waiting until he was in a taxi.

“He was so thoughtful, and if he could help, he would. He phoned me all the time, and he worshipped his mum. He looked after everyone he lived with.”

She continued: “The number of people who’ve approached us around Plainmoor or knocked on our door to offer their condolences shows just how many people knew him. We didn’t realise how popular he was.

“You never expect this to happen. No matter how much you try, you can’t prepare yourself. He was a lovely boy.”

Sasha Brealey also paid tribute to Deccy’s life on the GoFundMe page, writing: “Those who knew Dec knew what a kind soul he was. He would do anything for anyone; he always had a massive smile on his face. Even after having dialysis 3 times a week, he was always smiling. He will be massively missed and didn’t deserve to go so soon.”

You can donate to Declan’s fundraiser via https://www.gofundme.com/f/kp7as-declan-brealey.