A message from John Simpson, ECIA MD
After forty years of friendship, I lost someone who shaped my life. A man I trusted, laughed with, argued with, and grew up alongside. Early in 2026, cancer took him, suddenly, unfairly, and far too young.
He was 49. He never smoked. He drank only socially. He worked hard. He kept fit by mountain biking weekly and playing kids’ football. He loved his wife. He adored his two young boys. He was one of the good ones; the kind of person you quietly assume life will protect.
So when cancer came for him, it didn’t feel real. It felt like a mistake. Like nature, fate, or whatever higher power you believe in had simply chosen the wrong person. Because this time it wasn’t a story on TV or a poster on a bus stop. This time it was my friend.
Grief does strange things to the mind. It brings anger, disbelief, guilt, and questions that have no answers. And when you’re in that place, it’s easy to feel alone, even when you’re surrounded by people.
But the truth is: none of us is meant to carry these things by ourselves. Whether your mental health struggles come from one life‑changing moment or from something that’s been building for years, help exists. Support exists. People exist who will listen.
Life is beautiful, just not every day. And on the days when it isn’t, reaching out is not a weakness. It’s survival.
To honour his life, to celebrate ours and to raise awareness for mental health and cancer, we have assembled a team of 5 colleagues from the ECIA and we are taking on the coast-to-coast challenge. This July, we shall bike almost 200 miles to raise money for the Cancer Day Care Unit of the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, and we would like to ask you for a sponsorship. Please join our ride in spirit and support this vital cause that touches so many lives. Thank you
