On Thursday, we said goodbye to Jamie Rae — the founder of the Throat Cancer Foundation. He was a beloved brother, a doting uncle, and like so many others, someone I was proud to call my friend.
His send-off was as it should be: full of laughter and tears. Tears for the deep loss we all feel, and laughter for the stories shared — memories of a full and generous life, vividly recalled by those who knew and loved him.
We heard tales that many of us hadn’t known before. That made them even more special. His sister, Margaret-Ann, reminded me that there are still many more funny and heartwarming family stories yet to be told.
I first met Jamie in 2010. He was a successful entrepreneur who had built a business from his back bedroom, alongside his then partner, David. What began as a vision in Jamie’s mind, a simple recycling idea grew into a company that eventually employed hundreds and operated in multiple countries.
At the time, I was running a business club aimed at inspiring and encouraging CEOs and business leaders through the stories of people who had made a real difference. Jamie had certainly done that — creating jobs, income and opportunities for families across the Falkirk area, which helped boost the local economy.
He was on my radar as a speaker. In 2010, he kindly accepted an invitation to speak at one of our Edinburgh events. Everyone was impressed. I knew right away I wanted him to return and speak at our Glasgow group — a rare honour.
It took time, because of logistics, but two and a half years later, in 2013, Jamie agreed to speak again.
That day, I learned something that left me both shocked and deeply moved.
Jamie told me that the morning he had spoken in Edinburgh was the same day he was diagnosed with throat cancer. When I asked why he didn’t cancel, his reply was simple:
“Gordon, you’d badgered me for so long to speak, I didn’t want to let you down.”
That moment told me everything I needed to know about the man: someone who often put others before himself. From building a business that lifted up a community, to standing in the corporate offices of a major bank just hours after a life-altering diagnosis, to speak to others in business — because he didn’t want to let someone down. Speaks volumes to me!
His funeral was filled with stories like that — each one a testament to his character. I was deeply honoured to be asked to ‘take a cord’ and help lower him to rest. I won’t lie — it was hard. That moment felt like saying, “Goodbye, my friend,” and I wasn’t ready for that.
But his story isn’t over.
Jamie’s legacy with the Throat Cancer Foundation will live on. His vision and tireless work will continue to save lives in the years ahead — particularly from HPV-related throat cancers.
If you couldn’t attend the funeral, or missed it online, I encourage you to watch it. You’ll hear for yourself how Jamie Rae touched so many lives — though he never quite saw in himself what the rest of us so clearly did.
Click the link below to view the ceremony. Please also consider making a donation in his memory, so that his legacy may continue.
Rest in peace, my friend.
With love,
Gordon
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View ceremony here (enter PIN on website)
Webcast Link: www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Login PIN: 380-3765
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Donate in Jamie’s memory here.
