Remembered for his cheeky smile, infectious laugh, kindness, energy and authenticity, Pete found joy in the happiness of those he loved.
Pete was diagnosed with CLL at just 23. His leukaemia was complex and aggressive. Before this, he’d always been healthy and active.
More than a leukaemia diagnosis
Pete didn’t want to be known as “the guy with cancer”. Initially he kept his diagnosis private, determined to live as normally as possible.
Over the next three years, he continued doing things he loved: riding motorbikes, skateboarding, hiking and working in civil construction. When his energy was low, he learned new skills like fishing and boating, finding joy in new pastimes.
Over the course of his illness, Pete underwent many different treatments, including various chemotherapies, immunotherapies, a stem cell transplant and CAR-T cell therapy.
His treatment took us to Boston for 3 months during the height of the pandemic, because, as Pete said, “this is just what we have to do”. Through it all, he never let cancer define him or take more from his life than necessary.
Amber, Pete’s partner, also shared his cancer journey. She was the love of his life and stood beside him – with remarkable strength, she chose love and Pete. Heartbreakingly, CLL later touched Amber’s family too, taking her mum shortly after Pete passed away.
Pete’s journey has shown me just how devastating blood cancer can be, especially for those whose disease behaves in unpredictable or aggressive ways. It can be a heartbreaking and relentless illness, and its impact particularly profound.
Pete passed away at age 26. He was so brave. I am incredibly proud of him.
Lasting impact
To honour Pete’s life, I established the Pete Young Fund for Blood Cancer Research to support vital research at WEHl in perpetuity.
The fund is a way to keep his legacy alive. It means Pete’s name might make a difference, turning the sadness into something greater.
Pete lived more in 26 years than most do in a lifetime and I am incredibly grateful for that.
His determination, and strength – even when his world was torn apart – were truly inspirational. When I think of Pete, I think of love: pure and simple.
