This site is a tribute to Barry Norris, who was born on 8 April 1957 and died on 16 March 2024, aged 66. He is much loved and will always be remembered.

Barry was born and grew up on a council estate in Essex in the 50s, but went on to go to York University. Barry met Julie on 16 March 1985 and they married the same year and had two children, Tom and Isobel. Barry was hugely proud of his family and loved being a husband, father and grandfather. He was an incredible person to be around - hugely witty, entertaining, empathetic, thoughtful and considerate - and will be tremendously missed.

Barry had not long been retired from a long career as an HMI for Estyn, and was looking forward to what should have been a long and full retirement enjoying riding his bike, walking in the mountains, working on his writing, and most of all enjoying time with his family and friends. He corresponded with friends near and far, and we have been very touched to hear people's stories about him.

Barry wanted donations to be made to Anthony Nolan, because for the last year of his life he knew that his only hope was a donor stem cell transplant and it was this thought that kept him going. We all had so much hope. It was a difficult road to get to the point where he could have a stem cell transplant, but he did receive his transplant on 23 February 2024 in Hammersmith Hospital. The donor was a perfect match, a young man living in the USA, and an Anthony Nolan volunteer went to collect the stem cells and bring them back to London. Barry was so positive the day the donor cells went in, joking about his new American DNA, and had worked hard to stay strong and fit. Unfortunately he contracted an infection and despite the best efforts of the team in intensive care he did not recover.

We all draw immense comfort and reassurance from the kindness and generosity of the Anthony Nolan volunteers, and especially the young donor and volunteer courier. This charity provides hope where there would otherwise be none. Barry would be proud and heartened by donations in his honour and memory.