Chris' Story

Most of you knew Chris well, and those who didn't are likely to already have a real sense of the man he was. Chris was an incredibly caring, fun, loving and adventurous man, full of endless wisdom. Chris was hugely sociable and loved travelling, all sports (which he was always annoyingly good at), music, cooking, eating out and photography, just to name a few interests. Chris was also a hugely talented Chartered Engineer, starting out his career with BuroHappold Engineers in their Bridge Team, then moving to Price & Myers Consulting Engineers in 2011 where he joined the Geometrics team to work on bridges and other projects with complex geometry. Chris and I also settled together into our new home in Battersea in 2011. 

Sadly, out of the blue, Chris was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer in April 2011 at the age of 28. At this time we discovered that there was already a very significant spread of disease to his liver. Chris spent the following six years courageously having extensive and gruelling treatment and it is a testament to his enormous physical and mental strength that he did so whilst still embracing all life had to offer, frequently encouraging me and others to do the same. We travelled to Scotland, Turkey, France, Spain, America, Lapland, and did everything from scuba diving and skiing to hiking and getting married. Our wedding day on 12^th July 2014 was most definitely the best day of our lives, and he truly was the best husband I could ever ask for.

Ultimately, six years of treatment took its toll and Chis’ organs
began to fail. He passed away peacefully at the Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon on 7^th April 2017 with me, his parents, sister Debbie, brother Andy and his two closest friends Kim and Martin at his side. Everyone who knew and loved him is heartbroken and he has left a huge hole in all our lives. We are all enormously grateful, however, for the extra years his talented team of consultants gave him, for the many wonderful memories of time spent with him and for the privilege of having had him in our lives.

Why we're Fundraising

Through my growing friendship with Chris’ liver surgeon, Professor Nariman Karanjia, I am currently volunteering for the Liver Cancer Surgery Appeal (LCSA) which provides funds for both equipment and research into the improved treatment of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) cancers (which include cancers of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts). The LCSA is in the process of merging with BRIGHT Cancer Care, who raise vital funds for research and treatment development for gastro-intestinal (GI) cancers (which include bowel cancers and cancers of the stomach, oesophagus, pancreas and gallbladder). Together the charity will be a bigger and brighter force for treating GI and HPB cancers, remaining under the banner of 'BRIGHT Cancer Care' (www.brightcancercare.com).

Many GI cancers like Chris’ spread to the liver (and beyond) so research into this disease and its secondary spread will help to improve diagnosis, lead to more successful treatments, improve patients’ quality of life and, we hope, ultimately lead to a greater life expectancy. Without Nariman's liver surgeries Chris would not have been able to go on and have further treatments that were not even available at the time of his diagnosis. There is no doubt that without liver surgery, and all these groundbreaking treatments, Chris’ life would have been significantly shorter and much more restricted than it was.

We know that Chris would want as many other people in his position
to have the best chance possible to overcome this disease. All Chris’ family and friends are hugely committed to making this charity party for both Chris and for BRIGHT Cancer Care a huge success, especially as Chris and I had discussed arranging this party on many occasions before he died. Anything you can give towards our celebration of Chris would be hugely welcomed and will help BRIGHT Cancer Care create a brighter future for all those who find themselves faced with this disease.

Thank you so much

Jo ('The Wife' as Chris would say) and all Chris' family xxx