A Reg Foy Tribute: Remembering a Man Who Brought Light to So Many

A Reg Foy tribute is being planned to honour a man whose life was dedicated to spreading joy, laughter, and kindness across Dorset and beyond. Known to many as entertainer Professor Crackerbang, or affectionately among hospital patients as one of the Fistula Boys, Reg Foy always brought a smile to people’s faces. Sadly, Reg passed away in February this year aged 83 — but his legacy continues through the love and dedication of his wife, Ellen, and their children Sarah, Mark and Michael...

Reg and Ellen met at a holiday park in 1988, married in 1991, and eventually settled in Wool. Their life together became a partnership built on creativity, community, and a shared desire to bring happiness to others.

Reg Foy with grandchildren (Image: Ellen Foy)

The family have now launched Reg’s Magical Trust in his honour, raising funds to support people living with dialysis — a cause close to Reg’s heart and one that shaped much of his later life.

Why the Reg Foy Tribute Matters

This Reg Foy tribute is about more than remembrance — it continues his lifelong mission of helping others. Reg was a passionate fundraiser for countless causes, including the British Red Cross, where he served as Dorset’s county fundraiser. One of his proudest achievements was helping to raise £1 million for families affected by the 2004 tsunami disaster.

To honour his memory, a memorial bench will soon be installed in the grounds of Dorset County Hospital, where Reg received dialysis treatment. His family are also raising funds for the hospital’s dialysis unit — “because it’s what he would have wanted to do,” Ellen explained.

The Heart Behind the Tribute

Ellen fondly remembers her husband’s humour and compassion:

“For Reg it was all about bringing positivity to other patients and nurses around the ward. He was a character — Reg would always be in the midst of it all.”

Despite undergoing dialysis himself, Reg looked forward to his visits to Dorset County Hospital, turning each session into an opportunity to lift spirits. He co-founded the Fistula Boys, a group of dialysis patients — including friends Dave Hunt from Winfrith and Steve Clarke from Weymouth — who made it their mission to keep nurses smiling.

The Fistula Boys (Image: Ellen Foy)

Their name came from the AV fistula, a surgical connection between an artery and vein for dialysis access. It symbolised the physical and emotional bond the men shared.

Reg’s playful spirit shone through in countless ways. He once arrived at the hospital dressed as the King to mark the coronation, entering to “God Save the King.” During the festive season, he donned a Santa suit, and at Easter, he turned up as the Easter Bunny — all to bring joy to those around him.

A Life of Laughter and Love

Before his health challenges, Reg had already spent decades making people laugh. He was a children’s entertainer and magician, performing as Professor Crackerbang alongside his wife, Tilly Trubbles. The pair entertained families at shows across the UK and beyond, and Reg even performed on cruise ships in destinations including Portugal and the United States — sometimes appearing as Willy Wonka.

Ellen said their performing life was full of fun and adventure, and even when his health changed, Reg never lost his desire to make others smile.

Join the Reg Foy Tribute and Celebrate His Legacy

In true Reg fashion, the Reg Foy tribute will feature an evening of laughter, magic, and music. A “Sensational Superb Show” will take place on Saturday, 15 November, from 6.30 pm at the D’Urberville Centre in Wool.

The event will include comedy and mind reading from Graham P. Jolly, saxophone music from Niki Jayne, entertainment from Herby Adams, and a lively disco to finish the night.

🎟️ Tickets:

• £15 for adults

• £10 for seniors

• £5 for children

Tickets are available via TicketSource or from Amber Hardware Shop in Wool.

All proceeds will go to the dialysis and renal units at Dorset County Hospital, continuing Reg’s mission of supporting patients and staff through difficult times.

Through every laugh, every kind gesture, and every show, Reg Foy made a difference. This Reg Foy tribute ensures that his light — and the joy he brought to so many — will continue to shine for years to come.

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