My beautiful, courageous wife Emily-Jane Scandrett, mother of two young boys, sadly passed away on 19th January 2026 following a painful 4-year battle against the cruel and rare incurable cancer “Mesothelioma” – caused by deadly asbestos.

Despite endless scans, tests and hospital admissions, Emily-Jane went undiagnosed for a long painful period of 17 months. She felt no-one was listening … no-one was taking her seriously!

Eventually when a diagnosis was finally given … our young baby son Thomas was just 9 months old and his brother Frankie just 6 years of age.

Emily-Jane did not retreat from the world allowing fear or bitterness to take over, but instead she chose purpose by campaigning and by educating others about this devastating cruel disease, including many senior medical professionals and heads of department within the NHS and beyond.

Showing the utmost courage and determination, Emily-Jane chose to “Look forward and always up!” The title she gave to her social media platforms which gave her capacity and scope to reach out to a wider audience. [Mesothelioma was a rare cancer on the increase – no longer a disease affecting older men of 75+ but younger people!!] She proved to everyone that even whilst her own body was failing, she could create meaning with true love and determination which would outshine this cruel, dark diagnosis. Daily excruciating pain, exhaustion and uncertainty did not deter this remarkable woman … she wanted awareness and accountability! She wanted a future for any other families who may have to face this pain and suffering but most of all … she wanted the truth to be heard even when her own body was failing.

Emily-Jane appeared on national TV, radio and in the national press. She gave talks at many conferences around the country. She challenged her GP’s actions and the lack of training provided to hospital staff which resulted in important changes being made … an admirable achievement.

We moved to our perfect dream home just last year … she was so proud and so happy! She had such great plans for the whole family to become part of the village community but sadly this was not to be as life took a cruel turn!

I believe that Emily-Jane, who became a well-known “Meso-Warrior”, should not be defined by how her life ended but by how she lived; with compassion, conviction and a fierce desire to help others. Her legacy is not just in memory but in action – in the awareness she raised, the lives she touched and the courage she displayed. I am so proud that my adorable wife lives on in the people she inspired, the cause she championed and of course in two young sons who now have to face a future without their beloved mother.

I now have a personal goal … to honour my beautiful wife’s legacy by continuing to raise awareness and understanding about this deadly disease through a series of fundraising events.

THE HALLOW 12 PARISH CHALLENGE – will be the next fund-raising event. Taking place on 11th July 2026 approximately 40 dedicated people will complete a gruelling 27.5 mile hike [not just a walk!]. Needless to say, we are currently in the process of completing several ‘prep’ walks in advance of the big day to make sure that we are charged, trained and ready to complete the challenge.

Continuing the fundraising work in Emily-Jane’s memory, we will contribute vital funds to two charities … 70% to “Mesothelioma UK” and 30% to “Edwards Trust”.

MESOTHELIOMA UK provide specialist care and support to those who are suffering, or affected by Mesothelioma, whilst carrying out the all-important research and development.

EDWARDS TRUST provide specialist bereavement support for parents, children and young people – offering counselling, wellbeing therapies and peer support to help navigate their loss. Losing a loved one is life-changing and no-one should face grief alone.

This will be the first of many fundraising events over the years to come. I am determined to continue to honour Emily-Jane’s campaign and support others who have been diagnosed with this devastating yet preventable, incurable cancer.

Your donations are appreciated so much. Thank you for reading, thank you for your kindness and thank you for keeping Emily-Jane’s memory and campaign alive.

If you can, please donate and share this page with friends and family. Your support means the world to us as a family.