In the spring of 2011 Paddy was diagnosed with cancer of the throat. An operation was performed at a hospital in Athens to remove the tumour. By then ninety-six years old, he chose to refuse further treatment. He was able to return to Kardamyli, and talked excitedly about resuming work on the third volume of his trilogy, completing the story of his great walk begun in A Time of Gifts. But only a few weeks later another operation proved necessary. On 9 June, Paddy left Greece for the last time, hoping to see his friends in England before the end. He arrived at Dumbleton that night, and died the next morning.