Peter Alexander Mckenzie - a maginificent man- a huge loss

Nobody Could Have Fought More

Just a few days ago, surrounded by his loving family Peter finally succombed to his cancer. Right to the very end he was concernd that there was so much to do in the planning of future fundraising events to help those fighting cancer.  It was 2 years this May when Peter was told he had 6 months to live but this he took in his stride and raised his game to generate funds. Many times he was in pain but the same stength of mind that created a multi-million business, enabled him to focus single mindedly on generating funds for the Foundation. We were all proud that this was recognised when he was awarded Pride of Wearside.

The funeral service will be at St Bennets RC in Sunderland at 10.0am 16 March followed by his burial when he will then finally join his beloved daughter Tracy

In Memory of Peter - a Tragic Story

The story below was written by Peter to tell you how precious and fragile life is.  The date June 1st 2008

Dear Friends - Life is a Fragile Thing

As I write this introduction one phrase comes into my head - life is a very fragile thing. It is a precious gift but with the pace of life today it is only when tragedy strikes our loved ones do we recognise how true this statement is. This year is more poignant than ever as we seek to honour the memory of my daughter Tracy Crawford who died of Leukaemia at just 41 with a young family and all the world to live for.

The reason is that in June this year I was diagnosed with inoperable oesophagus cancer and given less than 12 months to live. But we will come to this later. The support for Tracy we have received from friends, families, and extraordinarily generous sponsors has enabled us to honour her name with the purchase of vital equipment for Ward EH55 at Sunderland Royal.

The love for Tracy and the huge will to fight cancer poured out in the Coast to Coast bike rides of 2006, 2007. These rides combined with other events raised a staggering £57,000. I think back with immense pride to the fight that Tracy gave, she never flagged drawing on her faith to give a state of mind that was at times awesome. We both shared the strength of our faith as we would hold hands and prey, certain she would win through. I think also of precious memories of this time and of the dedication given by the medical staff to give us the miracle of having Tracy home for Christmas. From that date Tracy began to recover and we enjoyed special family holidays.

We began to believe that life was returning to normal as each month passed and Tracy’s strength increased. She even returned to her post at TWP Packaging. Who will forget the happiness of her 41st birthday? She was again the beautiful, lively daughter, wife and mum, in the midst of a loving family. But a cure or long term remission was not to be as the day after this wonderful birthday party the cancer returned - aggressively. Before Tracy could accept the gift of a bone marrow transplant from Peter her brother she was taken from us.

I did say that life is a fragile thing and we must cherish every moment. There are many challenges but with faith and love we can surmount all. I too must now meet a challenge head on and draw on the strength of Tracy, plus my own unshakeable faith in God, together with the immense love of family and friends. The cancer has travelled to my kidneys and lungs but Professor Griffin and I will meet this challenge together. Life is very fragile and it is only with your help that others fighting cancer can meet this intense challenge.

We are ever grateful for your support in the raising of crucial funds to help others. and in continuing the legacy of a dear daughter, wife and mum.

With kind wishes Peter McKenzie