Prashant Jethwa, a St Mark's bowel cancer patient, tragically passed away from his cancer in 2024 at the age of 35. To honour one of his final wishes, his family asked, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in Prashant’s name to his chosen charities, including St Mark’s Hospital Foundation.
Prashant’s family set up a memorial page using the online platform, MuchLoved, where loved ones can leave messages, share memories, and fundraise as a tribute to Prashant. His family and friends have revisited the page on Christmas and on Prashant’s birthday each year and have continued to honour his memory by giving to the charities that meant the most to him in his final days.
We are honoured to share Prashant’s story in his family’s words.
“Prashant, or Prash as he was affectionately known to many since childhood, was our son, brother, cousin, grandson and friend. Prashant was a normal, high-achieving, healthy and the most generous gentleman in his early thirties, until his and our world was upended by his cancer diagnosis in 2022. It was something none of us could have predicted, but he took on the fight with immense grace, dignity and strength.
Following his diagnosis, his care began under Mr Ian Jenkins, and the Complex Cancer Team at St Mark’s Hospital, as well Mount Vernon Hospital. Growing up close to St Mark’s, we knew it was a centre for excellence for bowel health; however, we never would have imagined we would be utilising their services in this way. From the outset, the team at St Mark’s were attentive, caring and sympathetic towards Prashant and our whole family. He was always so grateful to their entire team for the care they provided him, whether it be in the outpatient clinic or the periods before and after his cancer operation.
That is why Prashant’s wishes were to continue supporting St Mark’s, and a number of other charities related to bowel cancer, in any way possible. He would want their exemplary work and support of patients like him to continue. We are so grateful to everyone who has and continues to support our charitable endeavours in supporting St Mark’s Hospital through Prashant’s MuchLoved page and fundraising events held in his honour.
We will always be hugely indebted to the entire team at St Mark’s for the care they provided him with.”
– The Jethwa Family