Nine To Noon Dad with stage four cancer still finding time to help kids without a father figure
Nov 11, 2025
Eric Haagh, co-director of boat rental firm Skiperi and a dedicated mentor with Big Buddy, shares his journey living with stage four bowel cancer. He discusses how his experience of losing his father at a young age drives him to mentor fatherless boys. Highlights include the joy of teaching kids about boating and marine appreciation, and the powerful impact of simply being present. Eric emphasizes that turning up matters more than perfection, inviting others to join him in nurturing these vital connections.
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Sharing What You Already Do
- Eric Haagh describes how Skippery partnered with Big Buddy to share boats and time with boys lacking male role models.
- He frames it as natural sharing of what he already does rather than a special sacrifice.
Everyday Play Builds Connection
- Playing and ordinary activities are the core offering, not structured lessons or therapy.
- Being a consistent, ordinary presence lets kids observe and join everyday life around a mentor.
Just Turn Up And Be There
- Turn up and be present: consistent presence matters more than grand gestures according to Eric and Graham Henry's message.
- Don’t leave seats empty — simple attendance creates impact for matched boys.