It is with great sadness that news reaches us Kevin Mitchell, Amateur Actor, Director, Photographer and renowned fundraiser, passed away this afternoon after losing a long fought battle against cancer.

Last month Kevin went into hospital for a routine operation, but the news was not good. He was due to start chemotherapy sessions but alas his health deteriorated and he passed away in the Earl Mountbatten Hospice we believe with his partner of 27 years John by his side.

Diagnosed in 1999, with prostate cancer Kevin took all of the treatment in his stride. Despite further bouts of illness he continued to work but took early retirement in 2005 and moved to the Island in May 2006.

In October 2006, Kevin and John had a civil ceremony to mark their 25th anniversary and have been together for over 27 years.  As a couple both John and Kevin are heavily involved in the Amateur Theatrical Circuit, of which Kevin won the Services to Island Amateur Stage 2008 award in November. 

As an accomplished photographer Kevin won the first Isle of Wight Photographer of the Year in 2006 with his picture of a Red Kite at Appuldurcombe.  The following year as a much loved and respected member of the Isle of Wight Digital Imaging Group he came second.

Despite his continuing illness, Kevin felt the need to “reach out” to help others less fortunate and since arriving on the Island raised many thousands of pounds for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Not forgetting his roots, the Scunthorpe based Laughter Through Tears Theatre Company was founded in 2001 by Kevin to help raise funds for various cancer related charities, as a way of giving something back for all the support and treatment that he received and continued to receive for his ongoing illness.

Kevin had recently set up a sister Laughter Through Tears Theatre Company on the Isle Of Wight in the Apollo Theatre.  The first production of which was Talking Heads and he was looking forward to a second ‘joint’ venture in October of this year

Before taking early retirement Kevin was a leading light in the field of environmental issues.  Never a one to name drop, in 2003, Kevin met Tony and Cherie Blair and received high recognition for his services in improving the environnment.

Through educational campaigns, which he happily incorporated his love of theatrics, he wrote and produced ‘Fluggy’s Rubbish Adventure’ a story about an alien boy who visits Earth and is amazed at all the rubbish lying around. An offshoot of which became a games module and cartoon along with a second ‘Fluggy’ story about recycling.  Kevin was also the brains behind ‘Futuredrama’ a week long environmental art and drama festival.

His first love the theatre and last month Kevin was due to play ‘John’ in the Red Tie Theatre production of The Filibuster but understudy/director Steve Reading had to step in as Kevin was undergoing treatment.
 
In an interview last year with John Hannam, John said:

Talking to Kevin is inspirational and his positive attitude to life and health has to be admired.

Kevin said:

“I don’t think people really know what strength they have until they are tested. I have always tried to make the most of life and get involved with things. Now I think it makes you appreciate it a little more,”

Kevin Mitchell, leading Island Light, takes his final bow and exits stage left. The biggest and brightest star in the hearts of those of us lucky enough to have known him is gone but not forgotten.

Update: Editor says:

Friends have been sending in their thoughts and memories of Kevin which we will keep private and forward on to Kevin’s partner John.  In the fullness of time we are sure that John along with Kevin’s family will very much appreciate these thoughts.

There is a massive tribute entitled Aunty Kevin on Facebook where you can leave your  messages to view click here: