Leukaemia sufferer Bill Barker of Castle Cove Sailing Club is raising funds for Blood Cancer UK
by Marianne Barker 17 Jul 20:06 NZST
International Race Officer, Bill Barker © Barker Family
William (Bill) Barker, a well-known, respected, and beloved member of the Marine Industry, received an unexpected terminal diagnosis of Acute Myelomonocytic Leukaemia at the end of May 2024. This devastating news has shocked his family, friends, and acquaintances across the UK and the world. At 73 years old, Bill is an active, fit, and passionate individual, making this diagnosis especially difficult to comprehend.
Bill is a dedicated member of Castle Cove Sailing Club, a club he cherishes deeply. As a much-loved International Race Officer, he is the go-to person for organizing race events on the water. His expertise and dedication have also extended to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, where he worked as shore support for ten years.
Over his illustrious career, Bill has contributed to many marine-based companies, including Bussells Yacht Chandlery, Topper International, White Formula Sailing School and English Braids. His sailing experience spans Larks, 505s, Hurricane Catamarans, MGC 27, and MG 335, leaving a lasting impact and wealth of knowledge wherever he goes.
Over the past four years, Bill and his wife Marianne have been spending the winter season in the Caribbean exploring the islands in their floating country cottage "Tantrum", a Fountaine-Pajot Belize 43, enjoying snippets of quieter life and adventure.
During his time at the Sailing Academy, Bill introduced a personalised lunch order known as "Bill's Special" due to ordering it every working day - soup of the day with a cheese baguette. In his legacy, WPNSA have now permanently instated "Bill's Special" on the menu, with a portion of the proceeds going to Blood Cancer UK. Leukaemia has affected not only Bill but other members of Castle Cove, making this charity is especially close to our hearts.
Bill's family has also faced significant losses to cancer: his father Graham, mother Cynthia, brother David, sister-in-law Sue, brother-in-law Keith, best man James, and father-in-law Herman all lost their battles with various forms of the disease.
We deeply appreciate any support you can provide to this incredible charity. Your donations, big or small, will fund vital research and help raise awareness of this devastating disease: justgiving.com/page/bill-barker