Tributes have poured in for an inspiring campaigner who has lost his battle with cancer.
Dean Eastmond, 21, from Weymouth, died on Sunday after losing a battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
He was diagnosed in June 2016 after finding a lump on his ribs. Last month he was given the devastating news that he was unable to continue chemotherapy.
Dean, a former Budmouth College student, co-founded and edited HISKIND, a lifestyle forum for gay men and the LGBT+ community which he used as a platform to talk about his struggle.
He also documented his journey on social media and in articles across a number of publications.
Dean’s work as an ‘inspiring’ young campaigner was catapulted into the spotlight when an emotional video was broadcast in front of a 10,000-strong crowd.
Dean was attending Pride in London, and was shocked to see a special video with messages from family and friends beamed across Trafalgar Square.
The video was arranged by social change company Shape History, who worked with Pride and wanted to raise awareness of Dean’s work in tackling stigma faced by LGBT people with cancer. Dean described it as a ‘beautiful moment’.
He said at the time: “I was so overwhelmed and shocked.
“When the drag queen on stage mentioned a 21-year-old with cancer, my initial reaction was ‘oh wow, there’s someone here like me’.
“It took a while for it to click on that she was talking about me.
“The video has really shown me how important my friends are to me and (apparently) how important I am to them.”
Dean first hit the headlines after speaking out about being sexually assaulted.
He was also honoured for his campaigning work with an Attitude Pride Award.
Heartfelt tributes have now poured in for Dean, who continued to post messages of positivity until the end of his cancer fight.
Chris Kendrick, owner of Café Jagos and organiser of Dorchester’s Love Parade, said: “We send our sympathy to his family.
“He touched many lives and he was brave throughout his battle with cancer.
“It’s a great loss but we will carry on the great work he did for the LGBT community.
“We would like to dedicate the stage at the Love Parade 2018 to all his work. We will keep his name alive and proud.”
Weymouth Gay Group said: “Award-winning Dean had achieved so much for the LGBT community in such a short time while suffering, a truly amazing young man taken to soon.
“Our thoughts are with his partner, family and friends at this time. “
The much-loved campaigner had a host of celebrity support throughout his battle with cancer, and many have taken to Twitter to show their respects to Dean.
X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger said: “I’m so inspired by your strength and bravery Dean. May God bless you and your journey. Sending you all my prayers and love.”
Charlie Hides, of RuPaul’s Drag Race, said: “RIP @deanvictorr you touched so many lives and taught us how to go out in style! #DeanEastmondSLAYED.”
DJ Zoe Ball said: “Heartbroken to hear @deanvictorr has lost his battle with cancer. Incredible force, truly inspired so many. Love for those he held dear.”
Guardian columnist Owen Jones said: “RIP Dean Eastmond, an amazing, courageous, inspirational queer young journalist who has died of cancer. He moved so, so many people.”
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