FX Plus Bike Ride in Memory of Doug Walker

September 14, 2023

Last month (August 2023), our university community was saddened to learn of the untimely passing of our colleague Doug Walker. Doug was a revered member of the FX Plus IT & Digital Services Team for over 11 years and was diagnosed in early May 2023 with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). The type of AML that Doug had was extremely aggressive, and after a brave three-month battle with the cruel disease Doug passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Doug leaves behind his partner, Charlotte, and two sons.  

Colleagues from across our university partnership attended a memorial service last Saturday (9th September 2023), whereby the family asked not for flowers but for donations to help raise money for Leukaemia charities and bodies of medical research that aim to give people with a similar prognosis to Doug a better chance in the future. “All Doug wanted to do, and did, was help people. We hope you can help us honour him,” said Charlotte on the gofundme page set up for the cause. 

With the support of Doug’s family, on Sunday 17th September, a group of five colleagues and friends aim to take on the challenging ride from Falmouth to Taunton (200 kilometres). Four of the group will attempt the full 200km distance, with the fifth member aiming to cover at least 120km, all to raise funds to help others fight AML in memory of Doug. The riders taking on the challenge include Rob Lawrence, David McAllister, Stuart Gaslonde, Tim Lawrence and Nathan Prisk. The team will also be followed by Gemma Prisk who has volunteered to drive the safety and support vehicle.
 
Rob Lawrence, the organiser of the 200km bike ride, said: “Soon after we discovered that Doug was ill, we wanted to help. We planned this challenge as a fundraising event for Doug, hoping to raise money for research into AML and to show support for Doug and his family. Sadly, AML took Doug far more quickly than any of us could have anticipated. Doug and Charlotte faced AML head on with incredible courage and dignity, and we want to honour that by completing this challenge – in Doug’s memory.” 

The team of riders will set off from Falmouth campus at 07:00 on Sunday 17th September. If you would like to support them, please donate via the family’s gofundme page. You can also check out the full cycle route here. Do join the ride by popping out and giving the team a wave if you see them passing.