Nearly 50 years ago, a small group of parents came together in Nottingham under the most challenging of circumstances. Their children were undergoing treatment for cancer, and in the absence of formal support networks, these families found strength in one another.
Among them were Pat and Brian, whose young son Mark was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour at just 18 months old.
During Mark’s treatment at Nottingham Children’s Hospital, families facing similar diagnoses found comfort in each other. What began as informal support – shared conversations in hospital corridors – soon grew into something more. As they navigated their own heartbreak, these parents created a network of support for others facing childhood cancer.
Sadly Mark passed away at the age of three and a half in 1977. Yet, in the face of unimaginable grief, his parents continued to support other families. It was this resilience and compassion that led to the formal creation of Pasic – at the time referred to as the Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children.
In those early years, Pasic was driven by the dedication of families. Fundraising efforts helped organise Christmas parties, summer fetes, pony rides and special days out – moments of joy and relief for children and parents enduring incredibly tough times.
Pat remained involved in the group for many years after Mark’s death, supporting others, but eventually moved away from Pasic. Her interest was rekindled a couple of years ago however, after seeing Pasic featured on BBC Children in Need.
"Mum was delighted and proud to see that not only did Pasic still exist (albeit in a slightly different format), but the charity was flourishing and able to reach a far greater audience than in her day."
Sadly, Pat passed away on 8th April 2025 – her 81st birthday. She requested her funeral donations go to Pasic.
“Pasic’s principles remain the same and we are so proud, because without mum and dad and those other first parents, Pasic wouldn’t exist today. So many families wouldn’t have experience the incredible love and support it has provided for nearly 50 years,” said Rebecca.
This Sunday, Rebecca’s daughter Beth – the granddaughter of Pat and Brian – will take on a skydive in support of Pasic.
Reflecting on her challenge, Beth says: “what a better way to honour my Granny, and my Uncle Mark, than falling out of the sky from 14,000 feet at 120mph!”
Beth will join 26 other Pasic skydivers, each jumping for their own reasons, many of them parents of children currently undergoing treatment for cancer, continuing the same spirit of support that first brought Pasic’s founding families together.
Support the Pasic skydivers by clicking here.
