Family community in mourning

A FAMILY — and a community — are in mourning after the death of cancer care advocate Blair Vining.

The Winton man joins about 10,000 other New Zealanders who die from cancer each year.

Almost a year ago, Mr Vining was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and told he had eight weeks to live — the family decided to seek treatment privately after learning of the six to eightweek wait to begin treatment at Southland Hospital.

Faced with leaving behind his family, the 39yearold made a bucket list that aimed to reduce the number of patients whose families would suffer the same.

His Facebook page, Blair Vining’s Epic Journey, was used as a platform to generate nationwide conversation about underresourced DHBs, and at 12.40pm, a post informed of his death.

‘‘Blair’s wife Melissa and their two daughters, DellaMay and Lilly, will miss him immensely. They are exceptionally proud the man they will continue to love forever left the world a better place . . . Details regarding an opportunity for the public to take part in a memorial service will be released at a later time.’’

More than 140,700 people signed the petition that called for better cancer care in New Zealand, as well as the creation of a national cancer agency.

Being the last item on his bucket list, it was presented to Parliament in July.

Parliament then announced its New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 20192029, which focused on delivering outcomes in four areas — consistent and modern cancer care, equitable cancer outcomes, fewer cancers and better cancer survival.

Health Minister David Clark expressed his condolences.

‘‘Blair made a difference. I have huge respect for the selfless work he, and Melissa, put in advocating for better cancer care in New Zealand.’’

The Vining family recently began pushing for a Southland charity hospital.

Invercargill City Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt posted on social media, ‘‘Selfless to the end. Today, as a region, we are in mourning. Let’s ensure the charity hospital is established, in your honour. RIP Blair. My thoughts are with Missy and the girls.’’

❛ Blair made a difference. I have huge respect for the selfless work he, and Melissa, put in advocating for better cancer care in New Zealand Minister of Health David Clark

PHOTO: THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD Campaigners . . . Southland father Blair Vining and his wife Melissa at the Auckland Hospital Oncology ward earlier this year for the announcement of a new national cancer agency in New Zealand.