Our Chief Executive, Ropinder Gill, reflects on fond memories of our late Patron.
I speak on behalf of everyone at Lymphoma Action in saying that we are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our wonderful Patron, Lord Menzies Campbell.
Lord Campbell was one of the first people I met when I became Chief Executive at Lymphoma Action and in every meeting and every phone call he was inimitably charming, warm and considered.
He’d ask about work but also how I was and my family. He was always easy to talk with no matter what the pressures. During the pandemic in particular, he frequently called, asking after staff, expressing concern for them and for what people affected by lymphoma were going through.
He joined us as Patron in 2016 and we are so grateful for the time, dedication and support he gave to the Charity. He was keen to help however he could, whether that was through talking openly about his own experience of lymphoma, or hosting events to highlight those challenges to a wider audience. Nothing was too much trouble for him. When we asked Lord Campbell whether he would record a podcast with us, he did so from the Houses of Parliament and spoke so eloquently and freely about his career, his experience of lymphoma and why he’s a patron. In his own words:
“Support is the thing that helps you cope, and that is why I am so honoured to be the patron of Lymphoma Action. The Charity’s work plays an important role in so many people’s lives, not only by supporting people living with a lymphoma diagnosis, but also their loved ones by providing the mechanisms to help them cope with treatment and recovery. I feel very privileged to be a part of it, and hope that my story shows others that people can come through a lymphoma diagnosis and out the other side.
Lord Campbell was everything a patron should be. He was both a respected figurehead for our charity, representing us with an unwavering commitment, but was also caring for the people that make up our lymphoma community including other volunteers (he very much saw himself as a volunteer) and staff. I will miss him greatly as will everyone here at the Charity and our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this very sad time.
