He had the most wonderful personality; warm, funny and incredibly passionate about the need for more research and greater support for people affected by brain tumours. He talked openly about his own diagnosis and used his platform to help inspire others facing the same prognosis.
We will all miss him greatly and our thoughts are with his family, to his partner Kerry, his sister Bianca, mum Marianella and of course his son, Miro.
Martino was a long-standing High Profile Supporter of The Charity, championing our drive for research and a figure at many of our events. His book The Finch In My Brain was a huge source of inspiration to others affected, becoming a must-read tale of triumph over treatment and he was loved by our community.
Martino always took time to meet others affected; at our Celebrating You Awards where he was a guest of honour, supporting our comedy nights, or attending our charity events. He was only too happy to reach out with personal contact to those he met and those whose hearts he touched.
Most recently he appeared in a documentary supporting Helena Traill’s 100 Stories acclaimed cancer art project and book.
Helena’s mum, Angela, paid tribute to him : “Martino touched our lives through our daughter, whom he helped with her final degree, with his openness about his illness. He inspired her to live each day with less fear about what might happen. Rather as he said, ‘today is a beautiful day!’ You will be sorely missed and we are very lucky that Helena met and spoke to you. You helped her so much. RIP Martino and Thank you for everything.”
Martino will be missed by many.
His loss is a fierce reminder of why we must move further and faster every day in the battle against brain tumours, so that other families do not have to endure this kind of heartbreak in the future.
We are committed to fighting for all those people whose lives are turned upside down by this devastating disease.