We have set up this donation page in memory of our incredible dad, Ray. We’re asking for donations towards UK Mastocytosis Support Group instead of flowers at his funeral. Please use this page to donate. This charity is seeking to deliver a cure for mast cell diseases, including systemic mastosytosis and mast cell leukaemia, which contributed to Dad’s untimely demise.

In August 2019, Dad was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a type of rare blood cancer which meant he didn’t have enough healthy blood cells. He was told the condition was terminal, but could be managed with chemotherapy, which he dutifully underwent once every 3 weeks. He didn’t complain at all, despite the gruelling regime and obvious pain, and continued to live to the full as he always had: nothing could get in the way of a good party.

Unfortunately, earlier this year, Dad’s situation deteriorated rapidly and he was hospitalised in August. The consultants at UCLH informed us that Dad had developed aggressive systemic mastosytosis, a blood disorder, which meant he had too many mast cells building up in his body. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell, which we all have to help our immune systems function. However, his cells were gathering together in his organs, preventing them from working properly. Again, this disorder wasn’t curable, and was made more complex by the MDS, but it was treatable. We had been preparing for him to come home, but his mast cells had a different plan, and he was diagnosed with Mast Cell Leukaemia: a cancer so rare, that only approximately 50 people have developed it since the 1950s. He underwent intensive chemotherapy, which was unexpectedly successful and almost completely wiped out the problematic mast cells. However, two bouts of sepsis followed, and his body simply couldn’t carry on.

On Wednesday 19^th October 2022, Dad passed away in hospital, with family around him. He loved life and fought to his last breath. He  will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

UK Mastocytosis Support Group is our chosen charity, as it works to tackle mast cell diseases, and crucially provides funding for vital research: Dad had access to certain medications via the NHS as a direct result of this charity’s work. Whilst mast cell diseases are rare, they are cruel and aggressive and could easily affect any one of us. We hope that by fundraising in Dad’s memory, we can contribute towards helping other suffers in future.

Thanks for all your love and support!