Tributes paid to "kind and lovely man" who lost battle with cancer

Tuesday 19 June 2018

Tributes are being paid to a mental health nurse, and St. John Ambulance volunteer - described by many as a kind and lovely man - who died from cancer this weekend in Northern Ireland.

Charles Polson had been living in Jersey with his wife Joanne and their four boys since 2012, but he returned to Northern Ireland three weeks ago after friends and family donated over £20,000 to cover for his travel and medical costs.

Mr Polson had been unwell earlier this year and was diagnosed with terminal cancer on 8 May. A close friend wrote shortly after the diagnostic that the cancer was "widespread and untreatable."

She set up a crowdfunding page to help fund the £10,000 cost of chartering a plane to bring him home, close to his family in Northern Ireland. Donations poured in and the target was reached in less than 48 hours.

Another friend then suggested the total to be doubled to help fund medical payments. She wrote: "Let’s give this family all the hope and support possible.Charles had always been a sweet friend and true gentleman to me. I know his family adore him.Whatever we can do, don’t give up even though you can see the target has been met. That’s merely for their flight home. They are going to need so much more. Please.. do what you can. You have all been amazing."

Donations kept coming and the total came just shy of £21,000. Mr Polson was then able to travel at the end of May. Sadly, he passed away on Sunday. His funeral is due to be held on Wednesday at St. John's Parish Church, in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland.

Pictured: Charles Polson and his wife, Joanne.

Born on 2 July 1967 in Northern Ireland, Mr Polson joined the St. John Ambulance Nursing Division on 14 June 1993 at the age of 26 as a Brigade member. He then became a nursing officer in 1999.

The same year he arrived in Jersey, Mr Polson received his long service medal. Shortly after his arrival, he joined St. John Ambulance in Jersey Mountbatten Division. Barry Marsden, Commandery Executive Officer said he "fitted in immediately passing on his knowledge and skills to members."

Mr Polson was promoted County Nursing Officer in 2014 and was also the Commandery's Clinical Governance Officer. Mr Marsden added: "Charles will be missed as an active operational member of the charity and our condolences are offered to his wife and family."

Since the news of his death was announced, many have been paying tributes to Mr Polson, whom they describe as a kind and lovely man and a true gentleman. Yvette Hanna wrote: "A kind hearted caring wonderful person. The world will be at a lost without you in it."

Colleagues who worked with Charlie Polson have also paid tribute to a “wonderful nurse, friend and family man.” Clare Ryder, on behalf of the Adult Mental Health Service, said: “Charlie was trusted and loved by everyone who had the privilege to work with him – he had a smile that inspired hope and trust from all who met him, whether they were colleagues, patients, friends or loved ones.

“The importance of family was one of Charlie’s core values, but he had a way of extending the same sort of care and love to friends or colleagues, who were made to feel like part of his extended family. Charlie gave everything to his family and the nursing profession – he brought light into the darkest situations for people with serious mental health difficulties and always took the time to engage with their families.

“Colleagues of Charlie are so glad to have been able to provide help for him to fulfill his wishes for the final weeks of his life – we will all miss him hugely.”