Guernsey Press

Postie loses battle against leukaemia

POSTAL WORKER Mark Fallaize has lost his fight with blood cancer.

Published
Mark Fallaize, 53, who was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago, died peacefully on Saturday afternoon in Southampton General Hospital with his wife and children by his side. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 22318998)

The 53-year-old died on Saturday in Southampton General Hospital, where he had gone to receive a stem cell transplant.

Hundreds of islanders had been inspired to sign up as potential stem cell donors after Mr Fallaize went public with his search for a donor in June.

A Guernsey Post spokesman said Mr Fallaize received the transplant last Wednesday after several large doses of chemotherapy as part of the preparation.

Unfortunately, this led to him contracting a chest infection, and, due to his condition, he had a low level of the type of white blood cells necessary to combat infections.

He was moved to intensive care but his condition continued to deteriorate.

He died peacefully on Saturday afternoon with his wife Julie and children Matt and Jodie by his side.

Guernsey Post flew its flag at half-mast yesterday in honour of Mr Fallaize – affectionately known as ‘Badger’ by his colleagues.

He joined the service more than 30 years ago, initially as a postman but taking on an office role in 2007.

Chief executive Boley Smillie said that everyone at Guernsey Post was saddened by Mark’s death.

‘[He] was so much more than a colleague, he was our friend.

‘We are all very proud of the dignified way in which he fought his illness and even more so his determination to leave a legacy that will save the lives of others.

‘Mark has inspired an army of family and friends who will continue to raise awareness for the causes he cared so deeply for.’

Prior to finding a stem cell donor, the Anthony Nolan charity carried out screening in the island.

The charity’s regional register development manager Karen Archer said: ‘We are all deeply saddened to hear the news of Mark’s death and our thoughts go out to his wife Julie, his family and friends at this difficult time.

‘It was a privilege to know Mark. He, his family and the people of Guernsey worked hard to raise awareness of the Anthony Nolan register, through the campaign #Hope4Mark, which inspired hundreds of potential stem cell donors to sign up.

‘Mark’s lifesaving legacy will continue to give people hope of a second chance of life for many years to come.’

Mr Fallaize was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016.

After weeks of chemotherapy in Southampton his blood cell levels seemed to indicate he was in recovery.

But earlier this year, during a routine check-up, his blood cell levels had deteriorated and he was sent back to Southampton.

It was found that he had contracted myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of blood cancer where the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood stem cells; a rare disease that affects just seven people in 100,000.

The only answer was a stem cell transplant, and the Anthony Nolan charity tested more than 300 islanders to see if any were a match.

After all of its efforts, a perfect match was found for Mr Fallaize, and it was to receive the stem cells from this donor that he was in Southampton.

Another Anthony Nolan event had been planned for today, but although this has been cancelled it will be rescheduled for some time early next year.

Mr Fallaize’s friends and family said they plan to continue to raise funds and awareness for both Anthony Nolan and Bulstrode House who have supported Mr Fallaize and his wife over the last few months.