Andy's Milestones, Moments & Legacy

Andy Simpson

"Aka 'Leeds Andy’, ‘Leeds’, ‘Big Simmo’, ‘Simmi’, ‘Funny face’ and a lot of others too... 😉

Born in Castleford, Wakefield, Yorkshire, Andy’s love of Leeds United FC and scaffolding is what he lived for. He first moved to Jersey in 1989, and we met at the beginning of 2015. We set up his scaffolding business later that year, and he loved going to work every day - his charm, professionalism, and happy disposition is what endeared him to his customers and made his business a success. The business plan was to retire in 2025.”

From treatment to transplant

“For over 10 years, Andy was treated for JAK2 Wild type myeloproliferative disorder, and this was being controlled effectively with daily medication.

But after picking up a virus at Christmas 2022, he didn’t seem to bounce back. Jersey General Hospital referred him to Royal Bournemouth Hospital. This is where they delivered the devastating news that the JAK2 had mutated into AML (acute myeloid leukaemia), a type of blood cancer.

From day one, due to his pre-existing condition, the doctors said Andy needed a stem cell transplant from a donor, but there were no guarantees they could find a match or that it would be successful.

We spent 85% of the next 2 years in the UK, firstly at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and after 6 months, he was transferred to University Hospital Southampton in preparation for his stem cell transplant.

The gift of time

“We used to laugh and joke through the treatment with the doctors - he loved being different and was never going to be a “text book” kind of patient, and he definitely “did it the hard way”. That in itself brought a lot of complications.

Unfortunately, he had a very early relapse post-transplant, so more cocktails of various chemotherapy and Donor Lymphocyte infusions. He seemed to be making a recovery; however, his white cells thought differently – they were having an unauthorised party.

On 6 March 2025, our world crumbled as the ‘rug of hope’ was pulled from under us.

With the help of UHS, we managed to arrange our wedding at Southampton Registry Office on 21 March and returned to Jersey on 24 March. It was lovely to be at home, and Andy decided that this is where he wanted to spend his final days. Being a stubborn Yorkshire man, he carried on for nearly 6 weeks and finally took his leave on 15 April 2025, at home with me by his side – he probably wanted to get the best seats to watch Leeds become Champions!!

We were both so grateful to Andy’s donor. Without him, we wouldn’t have had the extra time, and we wouldn’t have been able to get married, something we’d planned for a long time and never got round to. Although during this time we spent the majority of it in the UK and in hospital, we still managed to have fun, have a laugh at least daily, and we met some absolutely amazing, incredible people (NHS staff) along the way. Andy had an infectious, cheeky personality, and this is what helped him through some of the toughest times.”

Andy’s lasting impact

“I have had a lot of messages since his passing, and the sentiments are always the same: he was a likeable, happy, crazy, top bloke. The medical staff also said he was strong, positive, resilient, and we were a force to be reckoned with - we kept smiling even during the tough times.

If you knew Andy, you would know how kind he was, always wanting to help others – this is his way of trying to help others who have yet to face this horrible journey, with hopefully successful outcomes. Andy received a lot of blood products; we lost count in the end, so even if you don’t fit the criteria to register to be a stem cell donor, please consider being a blood donor! I can’t thank everyone enough for their donations – you are all amazing!”

Andy’s message – he’s now on the ‘Top Lift’ (scaffolding term) and his message to you all is;

“Enjoy your life and don’t put it off till tomorrow.”

Thank you,

Karen Simpson

xx