Richard Blake – Trustee and ITP Patient

I was born in Luton 70 years ago and brought up in Hitchin in North Hertfordshre. I qualified in law at the University of Westminster and was called to the Bar in 1982. Practiced at the Criminal Bar. It was a complete shock at the age of 50, about to be appointed a District Judge, to receive an urgent call from my GP. Following a recent blood test he needed to see me urgently. Like in the next hour! My cholesterol test had shown I had a platelet reading of 37. Within a few days I saw a wonderful consultant who has looked after me for the last 20 years. At what was a very frightening time the ITP support Association was a massive support. I’m delighted to repay the debt I feel by  being a trustee of the Association.

The diagnosis did not affect my appointment. I spent much of my career based at Westminster Magistrates Court dealing with crime and extradition.

I am now retired living near Ringwood on the Hampshire/Dorset border with my partner Jonathan and our Jack Russell ‘Dudley’. With a platelet count hovering around 85. Some things seem to have improved with old age.

I look forward to meeting members of the Association and working for the charity.