Richard Orna: A Life of Leadership and Advocacy Cut Short by Brain Tumour
Richard Orna, an inspiring and well-respected IT manager who became a dedicated ambassador for Brain Tumour Research, has died at the age of 40 after battling a grade-4 brain tumour. His passing marks the loss of a visionary professional and a compassionate advocate for medical research.
Professional Journey and Impact at Callisto
As managing director of Callisto, an energy solutions company, Rick demonstrated exceptional strategic vision. He played a crucial role in securing the IT infrastructure for smart meters, ensuring the reliable delivery of half-hourly readings. Additionally, he supervised the takeover of a rival IT company, integrating it into Callisto to enhance product security and efficiency.
Beyond his technical achievements, Rick found profound joy in his work by recognising and nurturing the potential in his staff. He encouraged them to leverage their strengths, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture. His warm and likable personality made him a natural leader, adept at advancing both his own ideas and those of his colleagues.
Early Life and Career Progression
Born in north London, Rick developed a lifelong passion for Arsenal Football Club. After his parents separated in 1994, he moved to Bristol with his mother and older siblings, Henry and Sally. He attended Westbury-on-Trym primary school and later won an assisted place at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School in the city. Rick pursued psychology at Leicester University, graduating in 2008.
His career began as an assistant manager for a pub chain, but after 18 months of exhausting long hours and a hardline culture, he left, vowing to treat people better in future roles. He then joined Bristol City Council as an administrative assistant, steadily advancing through various positions before transitioning to the private sector. From 2017, he served as a senior IT manager for Bristol Water, moved to Bristol Energy two years later, and was headhunted by Callisto, a subsidiary of M Group, in 2021.
Personal Life and Advocacy Amid Illness
Rick met his wife, Maja Buchwald, a biomedical scientist, through a houseshare, and they married in 2013 in Wrocław, Poland. In 2022, his life took a dramatic turn when he collapsed and was diagnosed with a grade-4 brain tumour. Despite this challenge, Rick and Maja remained positive, embracing new treatments and using his experience to help others.
He became an active mentor for newly diagnosed patients, shared his story on BBC Radio 5, and lobbied his MP for increased research funding. His colleagues, family, and friends rallied in support, organising fundraising events for Brain Tumour Research. These included a walking challenge with his brother Henry, a sponsored yoga month by his sister Sally and mother, and a football tournament at work featuring the "Orna shield" as a prize, with his teams showing unwavering support until the end.
Legacy and Survivors
Rick is survived by his wife Maja, his father Jonathan Orna, his mother, and his siblings Henry and Sally. His legacy as a leader in the IT and energy sectors, combined with his advocacy for brain tumour research, continues to inspire those who knew him and the broader community.
