Nick Hungerford, a renowned technology entrepreneur whose battle with terminal bone cancer inspired him to establish a charity supporting bereaved children, has died at the age of 43. His charity, Elizabeth’s Smile, named after his two-year-old daughter, confirmed the news of his passing on its website, expressing deep sadness and emphasising that his smile would continue to inspire.
Mr. Hungerford co-founded the investment platform Nutmeg in 2011. Despite facing rejection from funders 45 times, the business eventually achieved success, with JP Morgan acquiring it in 2021 for a reported £700m. Throughout his career, he was recognised as one of Britain’s most successful fintech entrepreneurs.
In 2019, Mr. Hungerford was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, after experiencing pain in his right thigh. He underwent an operation to remove his femur but received devastating news at the end of 2021 when the cancer returned. Just two weeks ago, in an interview with The Telegraph, he revealed that he had only a few months left to live.
Despite his health challenges, Mr. Hungerford remained determined to make a difference. He founded Elizabeth’s Smile, driven by his daughter’s bravery and the realization that there was a lack of understanding regarding the impact of parental loss on children. The charity aims to enhance knowledge through global research collaborations with researchers and clinicians, focusing on the emotional impact of losing a parent on a child.
Elizabeth’s Smile has already developed a series of books to guide those around bereaved children on how to navigate parental loss. The charity’s future plans include establishing the Smile Network, connecting bereaved children with a support network that continues to offer guidance and assistance in various aspects of their lives.
Mr. Hungerford’s dedication extended beyond his lifetime. He created an artificial intelligence website featuring videos of himself answering personal questions, ensuring that his daughter could access his wisdom and insights. He also provided her with a comprehensive picture of his life through pictures and stories, enabling her to maintain a strong connection with him.
