Dear Members,
It is with great sadness that I share the news that on Sunday our friend and valued MGGB colleague Suki, passed away peacefully following a long and brave battle with cancer. I know you will wish to join me in sending condolences to Suki’s family and loved ones at this sad time.
Suki was a well-known, highly respected and a much-loved leader within the marketing industry giving much of her time to mentor, encourage and support a wide range of initiatives. She will be remembered as a consummate professional and above all as being kind, caring and generous for any of us who were lucky enough to spend time in her company.
Suki co-founded Oystercatchers in 2007 before joining the executive committee of Centaur and marketing division Xeim after it bought the marketing services company in 2016. A serial entrepreneur she also founded specialist gin brand Bunker Gin and most recently Let’s Reset which offers guidance to companies on improving the mental wellbeing of their employees. She received an Honorary Doctorate from Coventry University for services to Business and Entrepreneurship, was Chair of The Marketing Society and a Trustee & Board member of Macmillan Cancer Support. Suki also proudly held memberships of Women in Advertising and Communications Leadership (WACL) and was a highly valued member of our own Marketing Group of Great Britain.
During her final few months Suki selflessly dedicated herself to raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support and awareness of preventive measures. Through the launch of Suki’s Steps and Swim and a silent auction last month she raised almost £200,000 for the cancer charity. She also appeared live from her home in Cornwall on ITV’s Good Morning Britain in a truly inspirational interview encouraging everyone to wear sunscreen to reduce the threat of melanoma.
A small family funeral will be held on 11th August ahead of a memorial service of celebration to be held at a future date with details of timings and location to be confirmed.
If you wish you can still donate to Suki’s Macmillan Cancer Support by visiting https://justgiving.com/page/teamsuki
Suki was such a wonderful person and advocate for our industry. We will miss her greatly.
Jess