On June 4th my dad Michael (known to most as Mick) sadly passed away of covid. Although he had a chronic immunosuppressive condition (CLL) and was recovering from chemo when he caught covid, he was not an unwell man and was looking forward to the arrival of his first grandson and taking an active part in his life. Just days before he caught covid, he was landscaping his garden.

We know from painful personal experience that the pandemic is NOT over. We know there are many clinically vulnerable people just like my dad who are having to live their lives in a world that is moving on, despite this still often deadly infectious disease being prevalent, seemingly now without check.

In lieu of flowers, our family would rather donations to a cause that will hopefully help prevent future heartbreak as has happened to our family. We have chosen The Francis Crick Institute:

The COVID-19 pandemic requires a concerted research effort that draws on a range of different disciplines. Crick researchers are working at the forefront of the scientific response, answering some of the most urgent questions about the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen.

At the Crick, our world-leading research expertise, facilities and flexibility put us in a unique position to help. We're collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams, with researchers, clinicians and partners to help answer key questions: from why it’s deadly in some people but causes no symptoms in others, to how the virus is evolving and the threats from new variants.  

This work will guide the development of new tests, vaccines, treatments and clinical strategies.

Thank you for your support.