Tributes have been paid to Ukraine aid charity stalwart Mike Bowden, whose death has been announced on his social media.
Mr Bowden chaired the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership charity, which has provided a huge quantity of aid, much of it life-saving, to Ukraine since the country was invaded by Russia nearly three years ago.
The charity also helps many Ukrainian people living in the Swindon area after being forced to leave their homeland, and organises cultural events promoting welcome, support and togetherness.
The revelation of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief on social media from many of the people whose lives he and his work had touched.
One wrote: "Dear Mike, your passing is an incredible loss to the many friends, colleagues, and Ukraine activists who had the privilege of knowing you or working alongside you.
"Your dedication to improving the lives of those suffering in Ukraine was truly extraordinary, and you approached every effort with passion, determination, and boundless positive energy. Your impact will never be forgotten.
"Thank you for the kindness and generosity you showed me—I will always be grateful.
"To your family, I extend my deepest condolences, wishing them strength and love during this difficult time.
"Rest in peace, my friend."
Another said: "Our partner, who is always ready to come to the rescue, a man with an extremely good heart, sincerely devoted to Ukraine, has died. Thousands of tons of humanitarian aid delivered to children, disabled, military, for all those in need. Cars, medicine, hygiene, technical tools, tools, food products. So sorry for your loss. such people leave a huge imprint in the hearts of those they helped, and their contribution to the good deeds is invaluable."
Mr Bowden was originally from Epping in Essex. His father and grandfather - a trade unionist with strong principles - were carpenters and his mother a wages clerk.
He credited his parents' work ethic and determination with helping him to become a successful lawyer and take a place on the board of an FTSE 100 company.
Effectively retiring from that realm in his late forties, he threw himself into a long career in the charity sector which included work for Swindon Mediation and Phoenix Enterprises, which supports people with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Some years ago Mr Bowden successfully spearheaded the campaign to prevent Lydiard House and its park from being transferred by the then council into private hands.
Interviewed by Swindon Link in late 2023, he said: "I believe in delivery. I hope that for most of my career I've been the right side of the acceptable line. I have a social conscience; I think a lot about my grandfather, and I haven't done anything in my life that I wouldn't defend.
"I can look at myself in the mirror and say, 'Okay, you're not too bad!'"
The charity also helps many Ukrainian people living in the Swindon area after being forced to leave their homeland, and organises cultural events promoting welcome, support and togetherness.
The revelation of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief on social media from many of the people whose lives he and his work had touched.
One wrote: "Dear Mike, your passing is an incredible loss to the many friends, colleagues, and Ukraine activists who had the privilege of knowing you or working alongside you.
"Your dedication to improving the lives of those suffering in Ukraine was truly extraordinary, and you approached every effort with passion, determination, and boundless positive energy. Your impact will never be forgotten.
"Thank you for the kindness and generosity you showed me—I will always be grateful.
"To your family, I extend my deepest condolences, wishing them strength and love during this difficult time.
"Rest in peace, my friend."
Another said: "Our partner, who is always ready to come to the rescue, a man with an extremely good heart, sincerely devoted to Ukraine, has died. Thousands of tons of humanitarian aid delivered to children, disabled, military, for all those in need. Cars, medicine, hygiene, technical tools, tools, food products. So sorry for your loss. such people leave a huge imprint in the hearts of those they helped, and their contribution to the good deeds is invaluable."
Mr Bowden was originally from Epping in Essex. His father and grandfather - a trade unionist with strong principles - were carpenters and his mother a wages clerk.
He credited his parents' work ethic and determination with helping him to become a successful lawyer and take a place on the board of an FTSE 100 company.
Effectively retiring from that realm in his late forties, he threw himself into a long career in the charity sector which included work for Swindon Mediation and Phoenix Enterprises, which supports people with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Some years ago Mr Bowden successfully spearheaded the campaign to prevent Lydiard House and its park from being transferred by the then council into private hands.
Interviewed by Swindon Link in late 2023, he said: "I believe in delivery. I hope that for most of my career I've been the right side of the acceptable line. I have a social conscience; I think a lot about my grandfather, and I haven't done anything in my life that I wouldn't defend.
"I can look at myself in the mirror and say, 'Okay, you're not too bad!'"
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