RIP Martin Realey – SSNAP
We were all deeply saddened to hear earlier this week of the passing of SSNAP’s Martin Realey.
Martin was Charity Lead at the SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents) Charity based at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Martin had also reached recently a fantastic five years at the helm of SSNAP, the charity which supports the neonatal care unit.
Martin sadly passed in his sleep on Sunday, 9th March, and we extend our deepest condolences to all of his family including his wife and children, friends and work colleagues at this sad and difficult time.
Martin was a force of nature in fundraising and had done marvels with SSNAP, increasing its profile and reach as well as greater awareness and fundraising. He was known for carrying a washing machine – twice – on his back in the Oxford Half Marathon in support of the unit he cared so passionately about, and other amazing fundraising ventures.
He was a brilliant charity leader filled with kindness, warmth, compassion and empathy and time for everyone he met whether just for a cuppa and a natter on the SSNAP sofa to being there for families in their difficult of times.
Martin’s legacy will live on, and at Play2Give we were so privileged and fortunate to have known Martin, and what a wonderful and lovely chap he was.
We are shocked to know he is no longer here, but we know that the great work and impact he made in his leadership of the charity will continue in his legacy, and our thoughts and heartfelt wishes are with all who knew him – including his lovely colleagues within the SSNAP Charity.
It seems impossible to think that Didcot Santa, Lady Claus and Elf last saw him when they visited armed with bundles of gifts for siblings spending time in the unit, last Christmas.
Our most recent donation – £915 – was only paid through to SSNAP from our charity last Friday, and probably one of the last financial donations Martin would of been thrilled to see made, thanks to the generosity of our very own supporters and community who made our 2024 donation possible. The funds of which we recently made will be funding two twin cot covers and a pioneering camera and film for the delivery suite for photos of very poorly babies taken straight into NICU. We are very proud to be funding these two essential pieces of kit to change, transform and save lives of babies at the unit, and we hope our latest donation adds on as a great tribute to the incredible work Martin, along with his team, did ❤️
RIP Martin, you will be forever remembered and truly missed.
