All of us at Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) were heartbroken today to learn of the passing of Blair Wingfield. Blair has been an essential thread in the core fabric of LBC.
Blair lived an incredible life and was hugely influential in LBC’s history. His involvement began with his own blood cancer journey in the 1980s. A father to two young boys, Blair was just 39 when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). At that time, treatments for AML were limited, and survival rates were low. Despite the odds, and with the help of a new chemotherapy drug called Amascrine, Blair survived – and earned himself the nickname ‘Miracle Man’.
Fueled by his personal experience, Blair was instrumental in moving LBC forward and shaping it into the organisation it is today. He was a trustee on LBC’s board for 20 years – from 1999 to 2018 – including time as Chair. LBC had a small budget and two part-time staff when he started in this role. By the time Blair retired from the board, LBC had grown to over 20 full-time staff members and achieved many significant milestones – including the establishment of the Leukaemia & Blood Cancer Research Unit at the University of Auckland.
Blair’s hard work on behalf of LBC was recognised in 2015 when he was appointed as an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution to health and sport.
After stepping down from his official duties, Blair remained in regular contact with staff, CEO and Board members, offering plenty of friendly advice and ideas (and cake!).
Pene Milne, Chair of the LBC board, says, “Blair is remembered with gratitude for his many, many years of service on the board. He was a fundamental driver through the early years, a source of knowledge and history, and a connector between LBC and the wider community.
“His sense of humour, kindness and generosity of spirit were the qualities that made us all adore him, and he will be sorely missed.”
We have lost a shining light but are grateful for him, his life, and the difference he made to blood cancer research and support in New Zealand.
Our thoughts are with Jean and the rest of Blair’s family.