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Thieves break into Banff home of terminally ill father


By Alistair Whitfield

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A terminally ill dad has spoken out after thieves targeted his family home last night.

Neil Bremner disturbed the intruders as they broke into his home in Banff.

The 44-year-old says: "I don't sleep because of my condition.

"So, in the early hours of last night, I began to hear noises coming from downstairs.

"I went to investigate but I have ulcers on my legs and on my lungs – so I can only move very slowly."

The thieves fled but still managed to make off with jackets and shoes belonging to the family.

On top of that, they also stole Neil's medical records and some of his medicine.

In addition, they took a hat that once belonged to his grandfather, which Neil has kept for the past 25 years.

A large sign is positioned outside Neil's home which he shares with his wife Sarah and two daughters Kayleigh (15) and Dacey (13).

It states that Neil is terminally ill.

He has an extremely rare form of cancer and doctors did not originally expect him to have lived this long.

Neil Bremner with his wife and two daughters.
Neil Bremner with his wife and two daughters.

The sign also expresses the family's profound thanks to all the good people who have rallied round to help in the past year since he was diagnosed.

Neil, who grew up in Aviemore, says: "This is my last Christmas and I wanted it to be perfect for my girls.

"They have been so wonderful, doing things like bringing me breakfast in bed and helping to look after me.

"I know I won't be around to protect them for much longer.

"And that's what has hit me the most about the break-in, rather than the things that have been taken.

"When I realised what had happened I was so angry I ended up getting in the car and driving round Banff looking for whoever it was who'd been in my house.

"I'm a Highland man and, I tell you, if I'd have caught them I'd have used the very last ounce of my strength on them.

"To do that to any family at this time of year, let alone mine – it's so wrong.

"Thankfully the police are now involved. They say it looks as though the thieves had been trying the doors of a few houses before they came to mine."

Neil is adamant that the break-in won't spoil his Christmas in any way.

He says: "I believe in people.

"The way the community has responded has given me faith in them.

"For instance, my employers – Hawko Volkswagen in Elgin – have gone way, way beyond what any small family firm could ever be expected to do.

During a family outing to York earlier this year.
During a family outing to York earlier this year.

"Life is a fantastic thing. When you're in my position you learn to live every day as though it's your last. In fact, you live every hour as if it's your last.

"You take real joy out of something as simple as having a new topping on your toast in the morning.

"I was known for always having a smile on my face before my diagnosis – and I don't want that to change."


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