Our Tribute to Bob Holness

It was with deep sadness we learned of the death of Bob Holness on 6 January 2012. Bob was not just a popular radio and television personality to Teenage Cancer Trust but a friend, dedicated supporter and valued Patron.

Much has been written about Bob’s career achievements in the many tributes which have appeared over the last week, but it is the man we wish to recollect and honour.

From the first discussion I had with Bob in a Pinner restaurant over 21 years ago he was immediately empathetic to the concept of specialist services for young people with cancer, and ready to do what he could to promote the aims of the charity. He was always true to the promise to help that he made during that suburban lunch date. I don’t think there was one occasion when we asked for Bob’s support that he refused us – and we were aware that we were not the only charity he supported.

When speaking to patients – he appeared to have all the time in the world and when talking to those who could benefit the charity - he could be charmingly persuasive. In having Bob’s loyal support we enjoyed extra value in having his wife, Mary’s support too. Bob and Mary generously attended many of our fund raising functions, even up to the time when his health began to fail. They were also enthusiastic attendants at our International Conference – and an award for a scientific abstract is presented in his name at each Conference.

Bob’s contribution to Teenage Cancer Trust was immeasurable. His discreet generosity of spirit and deed has done much to further the cause of young people with cancer and we will miss him greatly. On behalf of all at Teenage Cancer Trust including Dr Adrian Whiteson OBE (President), David Hoare (Chairman) and Simon Davies (CEO) we send sincere condolences to Mary, his children and grandchildren – their loss is ours.

Myrna Whiteson MBE
President

Honorary patrons

Teenage Cancer Trust is incredibly grateful for the ongoing commitment and support of our patrons and benefactors

  • Sarah, Duchess of York
  • Roger Daltrey CBE
  • Sir John Beckwith CBE
  • Terry Brady
  • Bill Curbishly
  • Peter de Savary
  • Richard Desmond
  • Nick Faldo
  • Ian Fletcher
  • Harvey Goldsmith CBE
  • Duncan Goodhew MBE
  • Bob Holness
  • Clive Jacobs
  • Bill Kenwright
  • Sir Ben Kingsley
  • Mark Knopfler OBE
  • Frank Lampard
  • John Napier
  • Sir Eric and Lady Parker
  • The Rt Hon Lord Pendry
  • Robert Rosenberg
  • Michael Watson MBE
  • Gerald and Vera Weisfeld

Patrons

  • Alan Biggar
  • John Burns
  • David Graff
  • Catherine Laidlaw
  • Simon Silver
  • Mike Tomkins
  • Paul Williams

Celebrity ambassadors

Harry Judd, the drummer with McFly, is a long term supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust. We have a number of Celebrity supporters alongside Harry...

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Regional Ambassadors

We have some fantastic Regional Ambassadors who help us raise the profile of Teenage Cancer Trust across the UK and support our fundraising in the regions and beyond.

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Celebrity supporters

Musical heros, television personalities, sport stars, high profile figures.

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