Support the family of Mark Rowland

Hi. I'm Rachel and this is our story.

When my husband Mark was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2024 we were overwhelmed by people's supportive response.

In January he was asymptomatic and running marathons, but by June he was in a critical condition in hospital. As the weeks turned into months of fighting this vicious disease he began to feel the love of those who admired and respected him. It was an outcome he never expected. The connection he felt to friends and family, both personal and professional, inspired him to keep battling. Unexpected generosity emboldened him to live fully in each moment. Other people's recognition of his integrity empowered his desire to live well for longer, at work and at home.

Unfortunately, like Mark, this particular variety of cancer has been highly motivated to grow. It has lived large, been intent on succeeding, and learned how to optimise at every opportunity. In November 2024 we had to tell our children that Mark was not going to win his fight with cancer.

Mark's greatest wish now is that his children remember him truthfully. He wants them to learn from his values, passions, mistakes and mishaps.

We have established this fund for those who want to invest in our children's learning after they turn 18 years old. Mark didn't leave university with a "normal" degree - how to make the best of his talents was one of his greatest lessons in life. This is a "college fund", although because our kids are still young we can't commit today to send them to college in the years to come. Our aim has always been to find the best way for them to learn. We want to give them what they need to thrive in adulthood.

Currently UK university costs £9,535 per year. The money donated here will be divided into three named trusts, for Florence, Elsie and Lucas to receive at the end of their formal school education. With my governance I will ensure it is spent on university tuition or equivalent adult learning.

We don't expect others to fund our children's lives, and definitely don't want anyone to feel obliged to invest in them. We have also established a second fund to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. For those who want to support our family in anyway, in perpetuity and across the universe, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With your generosity, I will ensure that Mark's children receive the very best education, because that's how Mark has always invested himself.

With a love of learning we will not let cancer win.

❤️❤️❤️