Kate Birtwistle, Ian's sister wrote to let us know the sad news of Ian's death in February 2024. 

Ian was an active participant of life at Churcher’s College. He joined in 1998, as one of the last individuals to board at Mount House and subsequently spent four very happy years at the school. He remembered particularly fondly his days on the rugby pitch and the 1st XV Rugby tour to South Africa. He was also a proud member of Drake House, enjoyed the times he spent training in the CCF and took a keen role as Assistant Stage Manager for the School Production of West Side Story.

Ian, also known to his friends as Bubbs, Bubbsie or Birty, was known for being friends with everyone, for his positive and caring nature, and for also being a bit of a joker.

Following school, Ian went to Northumbria University to read Business Studies. He stayed living in Newcastle, where his family was originally from. There, he worked in a variety of Marketing and Sales roles, spending nearly 11 years working for the award-winning local Digital Agency - Enigma Interactive. He carried on playing Rugby for many years at Northern FC, and was a Trustee for over a decade for the Charity - Children’s Cancer North, following his own experience of childhood cancer. In 2016, Ian married Hayley, with whom he has two children – Austin (5) and Etta (3).

Sadly, Ian was diagnosed with Advanced Bowel Cancer at the beginning of 2019. He was determined to live life to its fullest during his treatment. Sadly, Ian passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday 12th February 2023, aged 40 years old.

Family contact: k.e.birtwistle@gmail.com