‘It’s all about people and about love.’ Sarcoma UK mourns loss of inspiring advocate Darrell McDonald

Sarcoma UK is deeply saddened by the death of Darrell McDonald, a beloved champion of sarcoma awareness and recipient of the 2024 Roger Wilson Inspiration of the Year award at Sarcoma UK’s Shining Star Awards. Darrell, who became a powerful voice in the sarcoma cancer community following his diagnosis in 2020, was a strong advocate for better awareness and earlier diagnosis of this less common cancer.

Diagnosed with synovial sarcoma on his 40th birthday, Darrell transformed his personal challenge into a mission to help others. While undergoing intensive treatments including chemotherapy and CyberKnife radiotherapy, he remained committed to raising awareness. As one of the faces of Sarcoma UK’s 2024 awareness campaign last July, he shared his story openly to emphasise the critical importance of early detection.

Darrell’s impact extended beyond advocacy through his book Straight Red?, which continues to provide hope and guidance to those facing health challenges. All proceeds from the book support vital sarcoma research. His dedication to improving GP training and diagnostic pathways was driven by his own experience, fuelling his passion to ensure better outcomes for future patients.

“Darrell faced synovial sarcoma with extraordinary courage and grace”, said Sarcoma UK Chief Executive Richard Davidson. “Darrell did a tremendous amount of work with us while balancing treatment, work and a young family. As a central figure in our Sarcoma Awareness Month 2024 campaign, his story reached thousands through media coverage and his powerful social media presence. Through his book and advocacy work, Darrell gave hope to countless others facing sarcoma, sharing knowledge that could save lives. His dedication to our cause while facing his own health challenges was nothing short of inspirational. We are committed to continuing his mission of raising awareness and supporting vital research into synovial sarcoma. We will invest further in targeted research programmes that we hope will lead to better treatments and outcomes for future patients. Darrell will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications said “Darrell was such an inspiring, caring man – it’s so unfair. My thoughts are with his wife Amy, his children, Maya and Theo and the rest of the family, at this horrible time. The world is certainly a lot dimmer without Darrell in it.”

Sarcoma UK’s Ambassador and Darrell’s friend for many years, TV personality Charlene White said: ‘He was by far one of the kindest men I’ve ever met, and throughout his treatment he made it his mission to shine a light on sarcoma alongside Sarcoma UK, in the hope no other family had to go through what he and his family went through: raising awareness, raising money, educating doctors. He was quite simply, amazing.’

Darrell’s contributions were formally recognised at the 2024 Shining Star Awards at Mansion House, where he received the prestigious Roger Wilson Inspiration of the Year award for his exceptional service to the sarcoma community.

Closing his speech accepting the award Darrell said: “When you wake up, think about those people you really love and really enjoy spending time with. And make that your aim. Don’t go fighting for money and things and stuff. It’s all about people and about love.”

Watch the speech below.