In loving memory of my beautiful wife, Melissa, who passed away peacefully at home on 4th August 2026, aged just 47, after an incredibly courageous 22-month battle with cancer.

When Melissa was first diagnosed, we were told we may have only 3 to 12 months together. In true Melissa fashion, she refused to let cancer define her. She fought with everything she had and gave us nearly 22 precious months filled with courage, laughter, hope and memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Throughout Melissa's journey, St Barnabas House was there for us.

Their wonderful team supported Melissa with extraordinary kindness, compassion and dignity, particularly during the final stages of her illness. Most importantly, they helped us fulfil one of Melissa's greatest wishes: to remain at home.

Because of their care and support, Melissa was able to spend her final days in the place she loved, with me, our dog Fox, and surrounded by her family and friends. She passed away peacefully at home, exactly where she wanted to be.

I will never be able to adequately repay St Barnabas for what they gave Melissa and our family during those incredibly difficult days. But I would love for something positive to come from our loss and for Melissa's memory to help them provide that same care, dignity and compassion to another person and their family when they need it most.

For this reason, rather than flowers at Melissa's funeral, we are asking anyone who would like to do something in her memory to consider making a donation to St Barnabas House.

There is absolutely no expectation to donate. Your love, friendship, messages and support for Melissa throughout her journey have already meant more to us than I could ever express.

But if you would like to give something in her memory, however large or small, it would mean a great deal to me knowing that Melissa is helping St Barnabas continue their wonderful work for another family.

Thank you for loving Melissa, for being part of her life, and for helping me keep her memory shining brightly.

Sleep peacefully, my darling.

I will love you, always.

Mark & Fox 💜