THE death of Huddersfield journalist Adrian Sudbury has prompted moving tributes from around the world.
Many hundreds have posted their moving comments on a special website set up in the wake of the death yesterday of the 27-year-old leukaemia sufferer.
And they have come from every corner of the world – from across the UK, from the United States – where Adrian’s web diary Baldy’s Blog was a huge hit, and from Australia.
The messages of condolence have poured in for his family and his friends and just 24 hours after his death, there were 71 pages filled with tributes.
The tributes were led by Prince Charles, who said he was “saddened” by news of Adrian’s death.
Sly Bailey, chief executive of Trinity Mirror plc – who employed Adrian since 2003 – said: “Adrian was a wonderful colleague and quite simply a brilliant journalist and we shall never forget him. His story has touched all of us at Trinity Mirror and won the hearts of the nation.
“He showed tremendous strength and courage throughout his illness to raise awareness of bone marrow donation and always conducted himself with dignity and good humour.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this hugely inspirational young man."
Cabinet Minister Ed Balls, who worked with Adrian on his hard-hitting campaign to provide education about bone marrow donation, added his own tribute.
He said: “I met Adrian on many occasions and each time I was taken aback by his passion, his commitment and his determination to make good come out of his illness.
“His death is a tragic loss but as I said to him when I spoke to him only last week thousands of lives will be saved in the future by his campaigning. I know that will be of some comfort to his friends and family”.
Health secretary Alan Johnson was also involved in the Sign up For Sudders campaign.
He said: “I met Adrian Sudbury last month to discuss his campaign.
“His selfless determination to help raise awareness of the importance of bone marrow transplants in order to help future leukaemia sufferers was truly inspirational.
“My sympathies go to the family and friends at this sad time.”
Examiner editor Roy Wright said: “The response to the news of Adrian’s death has been overwhelming.
“The number of people wanting to pay tribute to him shows what an impact this very special young man had on so many people in so many areas”.
Among the many tributes posted on the Book of Condolence were:
We will never forget him and we will never forget what he has done to help others. He will always be in our hearts and the family will be in our minds at this sad time. Our hearts are with you!!!!
Tammy and Stephen
I did not know Adrian personally, but heard so much about what he did and read his blog religiously. He is an inspiration to so many people. My thoughts are with his family and all others that loved him dearly. Rest in peace Adrian. x
Helen
Before Adrian's blog I'd never heard of Bone Marrow or bone marrow donation but now, I'd put myself on the register if I was old enough. I'm winning my football match for Adrian tonight.
Paul
What an exceptional, generous, inspirational young person.
Joan Johnston
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Adrian's family and friends. I feel like I knew him too and am one of the thousands of people who were touch by his honesty and humour while being in one of the worst situations a person could be in. Rest in peace Sudders, and thank you xxxx
Lisa
My condolences to all Adrian's family and friends. Although I had never met Adrian, I thought of him every day as his blog was so heartfelt and honest. I am in awe of the courage he has shown while he has been ill and amazed at what he has managed to achieve. He was a true inspiration... Dawn x
My thoughts and prayers for Adrian's friends and family. Rest in peace Adrian
Amanda from Sydney Australia
I’m used to seeing events from Adrian's campaign on the intranet, signed the petition, even checked out the Antony Nolan website for donating, but put off investigating for later time. Today had to write an obit on him and read blog more fully. What a truly inspiring man. I'll definitely being putting myself on the donor register if I'm deemed suitable. My condolences to the Sudbury family. x Emma
Emma Pinch
To add your tribute log on to www.examiner.co.uk
