Anyone who has had doubts about why they became a journalist should take heart from the story of Adrian Sudbury – who sadly died last night aged 27.
When he was diagnosed with potentially terminal cancer two years ago he could have chosen not to work at at all, instead taking what pleasure he could from the time he had left.
But instead – he decided to launch a blog chronicling his illness and treatment and providing a unique service to similar sufferers around the world. And showing that like many journalists – he did the job not for the money but because he loved it and it gave his life meaning.
In May, when Adrian finally found out that his treatment had been unsuccessful and he was going to die – he launched a campaign to raise awareness about bone marrow donation.
It is a campaign which has been astonishingly successful.
More than 10,000 signed his petition calling for one hour lessons on organ and blood donation for 16 and 17 year-olds in education to be made compulsory.
In July, education minister Jim Knight, in response to a Parliamentary question about the campaign from Huddersfield MP Kali Mountford, said the government would relaunch its information packs and website on bone marrow donation, make them suitable for an 18-year-old audience and send them to all schools and colleges in September.
By raising awareness about the importance of bone marrow donation he has already almost certainly done enough to ensure that many others can live .
Winning Regional Press Awards digital journalist of the year in June – Sudbury’s video acceptance speech was greeted with an emotional standing ovation by all those assembled.
In an often cynical profession – Sudbury’s short life’s work is evidence of the power journalism can have, at all levels of the industry, and the fact that it can make a difference.
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