Rector’s eNews 18: 11 June 2025

Over the past weekend, huge numbers of Old Boys came back to Michaelhouse to the annual reunion at which they met with their year groups and, inevitably, both discussed their current situations and reminisced about the past. There was much bluster and bonhomie, and much good fun. As there should be.

But this year’s reunion was particularly poignant in celebrating the bond that exists between an Old Boy, Justin Fletcher (Mackenzie 1999) and Marc Ancillotti who was a young Maths teacher at Michaelhouse in Justin’s last year at school. Most of you will know the outline of the story: the fact that Justin was in dire need of a kidney transplant and that Marc stepped up to be the donor, but few will know that this was facilitated to a large extent through the Old Boys’ Club and, indeed, the outgoing President, Sean Lumley.

Justin spoke to the Old Boys in our service on Saturday and, with his permission, I have edited his explanation of his desperate situation and how our community and, naturally, Marc, responded. It has left me in awe of the Michaelhouse community (and credit must also go to the Kearsney community where Marc is now Deputy Head). The selfness generosity of spirit and the desire to help another in the most grave situations are not just found in every community. It is perhaps not unique to Michaelhouse but, where people are motivated to help others in difficulty in practical ways, the true meaning of the brotherhood that binds people of this school together becomes so starkly apparent. It underlines the privilege that exists for those who are part of Michaelhouse, who are shaped in their years here by spiritual values and become men whose brotherhood transcends years and circumstances. It underlines the depth of character of people of this school and their sense of responsibility to others. It speaks of the best human qualities and how the privilege of a Michaelhouse association reaches out to others in need. A boy coming to Michaelhouse is truly part of a “Club for Life”.

Justin and Marc both draw strength from their Christian beliefs and Justin very much acknowledges the role of the Old Boys’ Club in providing the aegis under which he has recently been granted a further opportunity in a practical way to enjoy life with his wife and family. This is a moving story of a life transformed and of a community which acted. We should be proud to be part of such a community and be inspired to play a role in similar ways. Here is Justin’s voice:

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