Cancer Connections : help, support,advice and information for South Tyneside, North East.

We are very sad to announce the sudden death of our chairman Mr Derek Porter.

When Cancer Connections was looking for a new chairman 18 months ago the name of Derek Porter was suggested. He had been coming to the Drop-In from time to time and we knew that he had grown up in the area, had worked in the pits for most of his working life, and had been a Deputy for many of those years. He was also a Magistrate, chaired several committees, was well known and connected locally, and therefore seemed an ideal person for the job.

When we asked him he replied, modestly, that he would be honoured and delighted but he would ask his wife first. The following week he returned to say that he and Maureen had agreed that he should be our Chairman. We were relieved and delighted, and in that capacity he has served the charity very well indeed.

What we did not know at that time was that Derek was such a lovely, lovely man.

First and foremost was his love for Maureen and his family that was plain for all to see. Derek was so full of joy for all that his children and grandchildren did; holidays and time spent with the family, and friends, were at the top of his agenda.

At Cancer Connections he was always bubbling, bursting with cheerfulness and enthusiasm  and game for anything – including an abseil with the mayor – in support of the charity. On these occasions he led from the front and set the pace.

Derek had breast cancer in 1993 which required major surgery. As a result he developed marked lymphoedema of his arm which still needed treatment every 3 weeks. For many people this would have been a problem, but not for Derek. He accepted it and was always so appreciative of the nurses who cared for him.

Except when, recently, the NHS kept him waiting, Derek did not let cancer interfere with getting on with life. Through his personal and professional experience, and by his example, he has been able to help many others who have sought help at Cancer Connections.

Derek will be sorely missed by his many friends. We are deeply grateful for the many ways in which he contributed to the development and success of the charity.

Derek Porter was an inspiration to all of us.  Our memories of him, his story, his enthusiasm and his presence will remain with us and will continue to inspire for a long time to come.