Supporting local people affected by cancer

​The trustees are sad to announce the passing of Professor R John Parsons, former
Chair of The Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund from 1998 until 2012, who died on
the 7 th of April, aged 83.
Trustee, Admin Secretary and Hyde Park Shop Manager, Anne O’Connor, who
worked alongside Professor Parsons for many years at both Freedom Fields
Hospital and Derriford Hospital, as well as during his time with the Fund, writes: -
“Following his appointment as Principal Physicist at Freedom Fields Hospital and
Derriford Hospital in 1998, John became Chair of the Fund. His enthusiasm, energy
and ability to communicate will be particularly remembered in connection with his
organisation of the fundraising for the enlargement and refurbishment of the
reception area in the Oncology Department at Derriford Hospital, as well as many
other fundraising events, resulting in the purchase of equipment, the financing of
hospital staff to attend conferences and receive training, and also the financing of
programmes for research.
Both he and his wife, Pam, contributed ‘hands on’ support with the opening of the
Fund’s charity shop in Hyde Park Road and this regular practical support continued
until his retirement in 2012, at which time he recommended consideration of the
opening of a second shop.
I also remember him as a very sociable person, who during the summer months
would welcome the shop volunteers to his lovely garden for tea.”