Mark was renowned for his banter, he loved it and throughout his life where ever he went, he made himself a name for it! Everyone always knew where they stood with Mark he didn’t mince his words, a spade was a spade, and everything was black or white!

Mark turned his life around 8 years ago when he gave up alcohol. It wasn’t easy for him but he did it and was very proud of it. Mark had an addictive personality which went from drinking to running. He took his running very seriously and was always challenging himself to be quicker. He joined Stowmarket Striders in 2016 where he made some really good friends and they supported him and helped him improve his running ability. He ran Ipswich Half Marathon and Birmingham full marathon both of which he was so proud of.

Mark always was aware of how his body was and as soon as he didn’t feel right he went to the doctors and didn’t stop until they listened. Unfortunately, by the time they did, for him, it was too late and he was diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer in March 2022. Mark tried to stay positive at the beginning but cancer and its symptoms at that stage took hold of him very quickly. He went from being incredibly active to hardly being able to do anything. Feeling exhausted and deflated from the effects of his cancer he finally got admitted to St.Elizabeth just a month after his diagnosis. At first, they thought he was going to come home as the first week they looked after him so well, he perked up. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case within 3 months of being diagnosed Mark lost his fight and passed away in the Hospice. 

 The staff at the hospice did an amazing job.
They had lots of banter with Mark and he said he felt safe there. They even arranged a trip to Lakenheath which he had always wanted to do. He was so happy at a time when life was pulling him down the hospice helped Mark see some happiness and excitement there are no words that could thank the staff enough for this. All the way until the end the staff at the hospice were there for him and Jacqui, they truly are amazing and even now they are still supporting Jacqui through her grief.