Very sadly, our friend and Committee Member John Bellinger died on 28th December 2015, due to a severe pneumonia infection.
John had been a MDS UK Committee Member since January 2013, shortly after being diagnosed with MDS. Soon after, he opted to have a stem cell transplant, which he finally recovered from in early 2015. Despite a difficult recovery process, he always maintained close contact to MDS UK staff, during his many visits to King’s College Hospital, as well as to committee members.
Throughout 2015 he had been of exceptional support to the charity – both in person and with a very generous donation. The committee was looking forward to working with him further in 2016 – as his wise advice, energy, enthusiasm and wonderful humour were always immensely appreciated by all.
John was the model of an uncomplaining, thoughtful and reflective man, full of wisdom.
He was always determined to fight the disease and help others to do the same.
We will miss him immensely.
A further lovely aspect of John was the fact he had purchased a wood near Sissinghurst, Kent to encourage birds and wildlife in his countryside. This had been an ambition for many years and a topic he often enjoyed discussing.
He was a lifelong member of Westcombe park Rugby Club as well as being Chairman for 9 years.
Finally, he was proud of his work as an insurance broker with Price Forbes.
Instead of flowers, the family request that a donation be made to the charity MDS UK Patient Support Group.
Please find a link below where you can donate online, and leave a personal message.
Alternatively cheques made out to ‘MDS UK Patient Support Group’ can be posted to:
Dean Wilson Funeral Director – 379 Well Hall Rd, London SE9 6TY
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/John_Bellinger
John’s funeral took place on the 21st January near his home in Kent.
We would like to thank Price Forbes and Partners and CEO Michael Donegan for their very generous donation in memory of their colleague John, and for the very kind words regarding our work and the support we offer MDS patients.
Thank you also to all other very generous donors who have contributed to John’s memorial fund via the Virgin Money Giving link.
There are too many to mention by name – but please be assured your donation is thoroughly appreciated and will help ensure we are able to continue our work assisting current and future MDS patients and their families in all of the UK.
