David Thorne
9th January 1955 - 19th December 2009

David passed away on Saturday morning after losing his battle with cancer.

David joined Kidney Research UK in July 1999 as a community fundraising manager in the North East Region. During the past 10 years one of David’s many highlights was driving the support vehicle each year from Blackpool to Paris for our Tower to Tower Cycle Ride. That was until he promised to cycle it himself the year he turned 50. He stopped smoking and lost weight and managed to cycle the route whilst continuing to give a running commentary each evening in David’s unique comedic style. One cyclist said he couldn’t wait for the evenings to arrive and the cycling was getting in the way. This started David’s passion for cycling which he continued until his recent illness stopped him.

One of David’s volunteers said to me that every so often you come across someone who is special, stands out in a crowd, and after one meeting you definitely don’t forget and David was that person and she felt privileged to know him.

David was a valued member of the North team who kept us all going with his unique sense of humour and wit. For many years until recently he was the only male member of the North Team and had to put up with six women which isn’t easy.
David worked tirelessly raising funds for Kidney Research UK, hoping that one day the money he helped raise would find a cure for those affected by kidney disease.

We are all definitely going to miss him, not only as a colleague but as a dear friend.

Our deepest condolences are sent to his wife Carole and his brother Chris.

Karen Whyman
Regional Manager