Welcome to the MDS UK 'Just Giving' page set up in the memory of Ron Holder.

Most of you will have landed on this page having been directed from an email or another source which outlines part of the amazing first 20 years of Ron's life, described in his own words in his book 'Twice A Refugee', and his connection with, and support for, the small blood cancer charity MDS UK Patient Support Group.

So, without further ado, how can you donate?

There are two options:

***EITHER***

1) Donate in Ron's memory in return for receiving a copy (or copies) of Ron's excellent book, by clicking on the 'GIVE NOW' button on this page and following the instructions to donate at least £14.00 per copy of his book (this *includes* postage and packing to addresses within the UK). If you are outside the UK, it is essential that you email the address below BEFORE donating).

**Do NOT grant Gift Aid if requesting a copy, or copies, of Ron's book, as it is not permissible when receiving items in exchange for a donation**.

Then, make sure that you email Andy at the following address to advise that you have just donated, the amount you have donated, and the address you would like your book(s) posted to:

kentgroup@mdspatientsupport.org.uk

***OR***

2) Donate in Ron's memory *without* requesting a copy of his excellent 244-page autobiography of his early years. This enables you to add Gift Aid should you wish. Just click on the 'GIVE NOW' button on this page and follow the instructions.

Thank you!

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Some further background information............

It is possible to listen to two extracts from Ron's book, read by Laurel Lefkow here, followed by some background about Ron's adventures described in its pages, and some background about MDS and MDS UK:

This first reading from Rons book describes his elation on the last day of his school life, after being in a boarding school since the age of 4 ½ years of age. Ron F Holder - Twice A Refugee: Ron's Last Day At School

The second reading by Laurel Lefkow describes one of the many harrowing experiences that Ron witnessed during his escape from the Belgian Congo on his Lambretta, in which he was powerless to help others, and was fearful for his own life. Ron F Holder - Twice A Refugee: Escape From The Belgian Congo

Ron was born in February 1941 to British missionary parents in China during the Second World War. The family fled the advancing Japanese army by flying over the Himalayas in an unpressurised US Air Force cargo plane, arriving in India as refugees. After crossing India by train, the family were able to arrange a sea voyage round the Cape of Good Hope back to the UK.

Having initially travelled to London, Ron went from refugee to evacuee because of air raids on the city, and his parents placed him in a boarding school in Swansea at the age of just 4½, so that they could resume their missionary work abroad - and his childhood became one of bitterness and resentment.

On leaving school at the age of 15, after very troubled schooldays, Ron travelled to what was then the Belgian Congo to be reunited with his parents and learn more about their religious devotion and commitment. This led to four years of adventure, during which Ron also became proficient in Swahili. However, 1960 saw The Congo's independence and descent into civil war - at which point Ron became a refugee for the second time.

So it was that Ron then found himself, at the age of just 19½, setting off on another trip into the unknown, initially riding his Lambretta motor scooter to escape to safety and make his way to Mombasa in Kenya, from where he worked his passage on the 15,900 ton BP oil tanker 'MV British Fulmar' to get back to the UK once more. This was a journey lasting nine months and which took him half way around the world.

Tim Butcher, author of 'Blood River', 'Chasing the Devil', and 'The Trigger', has read and endorsed Ron's book as: "A rich memoir of an extraordinary 20th century life. One that takes in some of that century's most turbulent historical turning points. The late Ron Holder is to be congratulated in writing an autobiography that captures it all so vividly. A book that brings history to life."

Very much later in life, Ron fell ill in his mid-seventies diagnosed initially with MDS (a rare blood cancer) which later transformed to Aplastic Anaemia. Ron, who was dyslexic, set about writing up the unusual story of his formative years for his family and close friends only. This limited run of the story was also printed in book form, and had an excellent reception from all who read it.

Shortly before he passed away in January 2020, aged 79, Ron decided that he would like the book to be made available to a much wider audience to raise much-needed funds for the charity MDS UK Patient Support Group, which Ron and his loving wife Lin were members and supporters of.

MDS UK is the only charity solely dedicated to helping those with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), and their loved ones - through pioneering research, a helpline, specialist speakers, information, support, and more. We are a small charity that needs your support!

MDS is a blood cancer and bone marrow failure disease. Approximately 2500 patients are diagnosed every year with MDS in the UK. The causes are mostly unknown, and the average age at diagnosis is around 74 years old. Aplastic Anaemia shares features of this disease, but both can affect patients at very much younger ages too.

*** Please remember - if you are requesting a copy of Ron's excellent book in return for your donation, DO NOT GRANT GIFT AID if the opportunity is given, as it is not valid where donations are made in return for receipt of goods. Thank you!

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Zoom Book Presentation Evening

Chris Lawrence, who was instrumental in encouraging Ron to write his life story, gave a presentation about his book "Twice A Refugee" to an audience of over 50 people via Zoom on 11th March 2021, which prompted many donations in return for copies of Ron's book - and some lovely comments, as follows. The recording of the event will be made available via our website.

"Hi. I enjoyed the book presentation last night on Zoom. I would like to make a donation and purchase the book. Also pass on my regards to Ron's wife - I thought she was incredibly brave fielding the questions and her tribute at the end."

"Please confirm details for donating in return for a copy of Twice A Refugee. The chat tonight has enhanced my enthusiasm to read Ron's book. Many thanks for an entertaining, informative evening"

"Thank you for a very enjoyable evening. What an amazing man, and I hope the interest shown this evening is a comfort for his family and friends. I have just made a donation for the book and am really looking forward to reading it"

"Hi, I have just been on the Zoom meeting reviewing Twice A Refugee and would love to purchase a copy".

"I've just enjoyed a very interesting evening and would now like to purchase Ron's book to help fill in some more details. Well done to everyone involved in this evening's presentation."

"A very interesting talk, one of the best I have attended. I would like to purchase the book please".

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, and all involved in tonight's event. It was very informative. As well as ordering Ron's book, I would like to support MDS UK going forward and wonder if I can set up a regular donation plan".