A POWYS man who was at the forefront of the fight against bladder cancer has passed away suddenly at his home this weekend.

John Hester, chair of the charity Fight Bladder Cancer, died at his home in Dolfor on Saturday February 11.

Mr Hester was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 67, while working as a financial controller for a family group of companies in Wales.

Mr Hester initially helped Fight Bladder Cancer at conferences, attending the British Association of Urological Surgeons conference several times before becoming the charity’s Welsh Regional Co-ordinator.

He joined the Fight Bladder Cancer Board of Trustees as treasurer in 2017 before being elected as chair the following year.

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Tracy Staskevich, a co-founder of the charity Fight Bladder Cancer, said: “John was passionate about making real change for bladder cancer patients both in Wales and across the UK.

“He believed in the good of people and was a wonderful, warm, empathetic, and intelligent man – always full of ideas. We will all miss his reassuring presence, encouragement, and steadfast support. Sending deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

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After his retirement in 2019, Mr Hester worked in close partnership with local county councils raising awareness of bladder cancer and supporting community projects.

Most notably he promoted the NHS "Blood in Pee" campaign in Wales, and led Fight Bladder Cancer's UK-wide campaign to ensure that as many accessible toilets as possible display a "Not All Disabilities Are Visible" sign.

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He also volunteered as a Bladder Buddy, helping newly diagnosed patients one-to-one throughout their treatment.

One of the highlights of John’s volunteer work for Fight Bladder Cancer in Wales was meeting with the mayors of Welshpool, Oswestry, and Shrewsbury to spread the word about bladder cancer – leading to Fight Bladder Cancer awareness posters in their hometowns.

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Melanie Costin, bladder cancer patient and Support Services Manager at Fight Bladder Cancer, added: “Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Valerie, and all of John’s family.

"He will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew him, as well as all the people he helped in the bladder cancer community. Funny, chatty, and fantastic John – he always tried to look after us. It’s a huge loss.”

John is survived by his wife Valerie, his three children, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.