The legacy of Captain Alexander Wiggins 1980 - 2020

Alexander John Wiggins, or Wiggy or Wigs as he was more generally known, was an Airline Captain with TUI, based at Newcastle and in May 2020 passed away after a long and hard fight with lymphoma.

Alex was so much more than his illness, he did not allow it to define him, an avid fan of all things aviation, cycling, aeronautics and space, Alex had many interests and hobbies and would often be seen climbing Everest, boarding the snow, paddle boarding the Tyne or completing the odd marathon or three. 

Alex was diagnosed with a brain tumour suffering headaches and failing an eye test in March 2019, he gallantly went on to have brain surgery where it was discovered that his brain tumour was in fact caused by lymphoma of the central nervous system. Not letting that stop him Alex went on to have 5 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and 25 rounds of radiotherapy. During 12 months Alex received 47 bags of blood and 72 bags of platelets.  

On 22^nd April Alex and his family had the devastating news that his treatment had not been successful and that there was no further treatment. Alex a much loved partner, son, brother and uncle, passed away on 8^th May. 

In death Alex joins his father Gordon, who died of Leukaemia in 2011. This is where Alex’s passion for spreading awareness of blood donation really began. After tragically being diagnosed similarly to his father with blood cancer, Alex’s mission was born. 

Alex decided when he won the battle he would dedicate his time and efforts into “giving back”. Giving back to the blood and platelet donations he used throughout his treatment by raising awareness and encouraging others to sign up to donate and support bloodwise (blood cancer UK). His legacy was passionately created by himself, but bestowed onto his family, who take this opportunity in their loss, to keep Alex’s wishes and memory alive. And we need your help. 

Rest in peace Alex, per aspera ad astra (through hardship to the stars). 

With everlasting love, 

Your Family x    

THE MISSION (and the magic number – 119)

47 bags of blood and 72 bags of platelets – that’s 119 donations Alex received in just 12 months. Alex received a 12 years’ supply of blood donations (at a maximum of 4 donations per year) and a further 72 donations of platelets. And for that we are grateful, your donations gave Alex the best possible chance to fight lymphoma and gave him a longer and better quality of life. 

He wished for anyone who was able, to donate blood or blood products but his aim was to give back, and to reach 119 donors, one for every donation he received. 

Alex’s legacy is about raising awareness of the importance of donating blood or blood products; his wish was to ask as many people as possible to join the donation register. And if you can’t donate? That’s fine too, you can still help us spread awareness to people that can or support bloodwise (blood cancer UK). 

We have big plans for Alex’s legacy (AL) so watch this space.