Many of you will know Dr Jonathan Wallis who has been a Consultant Haematologist at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne for many years. He has also been a member of the MPN Voice Steering Committee since MPN Voice was first formed as a charity in 2003.
Jonathan has recently retired from both roles and we would like to say thank you to him for all the support he has given us over the years, and for hosting every year, one of our most successful regional patients’ forums. Without his enthusiasm and commitment the forums would not have been such a huge success. He will be very much missed by us and the patients in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Jonathan and his wife Pippa, a recently retired GP, will now be able to indulge their passion for sailing in their boat. We would like to send them both our very best wishes for their retirement, which is getting off to a fantastic start, as they are taking part in the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race, which starts on Saturday 3 August 2019, and they are very kindly supporting MPN Voice by raising funds and awareness of MPNs during the race.
The Fastnet Race started in 1925 when seven yachts set sail from Ryde to the Fastnet Rock to arrive in Plymouth, and the post-race dinner heralded the foundation of the Ocean Racing Club. Today the Rolex Fastnet Race is the most popular of the world’s classic 600 mile offshore races.
If you would like to show your support to Jonathan and Pippa you can donate via their JustGiving page, where you will also find updates and photos from recent preparatory qualifying races.
Jonathan will do his best during the race to update the page with their progress, and photos. You can also follow their progress, live, via the Rolex Fastnet Race website.
Good luck and thank you so very much, we will miss you.
