John (and Susan) saved my life back in 2009 before Vasculitis UK was born (formerly Stuart Strange Vasculitis Trust) when I first contacted them, for which I will be eternally grateful. I then started volunteering as a way to pay back the kindness shown to me. I learned so much about my form of Vasculitis (as well as plenty of others) from John, meaning I was better able to advocate for myself and others. The progress I’ve seen within my hospital trust (Leeds) alone is remarkable but I know he was also responsible for hospitals all over the UK, Europe and other countries becoming more aware of Vasculitis, how to diagnose it more rapidly and will have saved thousands of lives around the world thanks to his dedication. I was proud to call John my friend but even more proud to call him my hero. No one deserved the MBE he received more than him and I’m glad he was recognised for his hard work, dedication and selflessness for the Vasculitis community worldwide. I will choose to remember him as the intelligent, dedicated, caring man he was with his fabulous sense of humour that was often displayed with a glint in his eye. My heart goes out to Susan and his family who have lost their world. The world and the Vasculitis community has also lost a legend but, thanks to his work with Vasculitis UK, his legacy will live on forever. Sleep tight John and rest in peace my friend. Your fellow ginger ninja, Kelly xxx
John (and Susan) saved my life back in 2009 before Vasculitis UK was born (formerly Stuart Strange Vasculitis Trust) when I first contacted them, for which I will be eternally grateful. I then started volunteering as a way to pay back the kindness shown to me. I learned so much about my form of Vasculitis (as well as plenty of others) from John, meaning I was better able to advocate for myself and others. The progress I’ve seen within my hospital trust (Leeds) alone is remarkable but I know he was also responsible for hospitals all over the UK, Europe and other countries becoming more aware of Vasculitis, how to diagnose it more rapidly and will have saved thousands of lives around the world thanks to his dedication. I was proud to call John my friend but even more proud to call him my hero. No one deserved the MBE he received more than him and I’m glad he was recognised for his hard work, dedication and selflessness for the Vasculitis community worldwide. I will choose to remember him as the intelligent, dedicated, caring man he was with his fabulous sense of humour that was often displayed with a glint in his eye. My heart goes out to Susan and his family who have lost their world. The world and the Vasculitis community has also lost a legend but, thanks to his work with Vasculitis UK, his legacy will live on forever. Sleep tight John and rest in peace my friend. Your fellow ginger ninja, Kelly xxx
