My Journey So Far

[MSH]

Mark passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of the 28 May, surrounded by his family as he had wished.

He bravely fought this terrible cancer for over three years. Pursuing the hobbies and activities that he loved. During this time, he was able to witness important family events and enjoy numerous holidays.

Through his blog he was able to express the emotional roller coaster that he was experiencing through the trails and tribulations of his treatments. I know that many have posted of the inspirational effect of his posts. We know that support and encouragement that he received in his blog encouraged him and it helped to know that others were going through the same experiences, in what can only be described as devastating diagnosis.

As his last post indicated it was a surprise that he was diagnosed with gastroparesis and mercifully this spared him from more of the ubiquitous symptoms of PC and metastatic disease. His decline was quick and relatively painless, which we would all hope for.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was an inspiration to us in all aspects of our lives. He will be greatly missed not only by his family and friends but also the wider community. His whole life was dedicated to helping others, not only in his GP role but also helping others to gain new knowledge and experiences.

We can only hope that new medical advances will one day defeat this dreadful disease.

With all our love Diane, Claire, Rachel, Alex and little Eleanor

[J_T]

This is just the saddest news and I am so, so sorry to hear it.

My husband was diagnosed around the same time but sadly succumbed after only 7 months so I was always interested in Mark's progress which gave hope to other users of the forum and he will be sorely missed.

I am glad you have had three quality years as a family. I know you have made some wonderful and enduring memories.

May he rest in peace. Thank you for letting us know.

With love, Julia xxx

[stmfst]

I am so very sorry. Mark was inspiring and gave us all hope as well as wonderful up to date, relevant information. He seemed invincible. He was quite clearly an exceptional person. Thank you so much for letting us know.

[boa]

Thank you for letting us know. When I joined the forum just about a year ago and read Mark's inspiring story it gave hope to my husband and to me. Hope is very important in illness and that along with inspiration was what Mark added in his wonderful way to this forum. Another chapter closes here. I send your family warmest wishes for the future and thank Mark for taking time to help us all. Catherine

[Dandygal76]

I am saddened to hear of Marks passing and send my condolences to you all. I also read the whole of Marks story and it helped me and my family to look upon this illness with hope rather than desperation. Thank you for taking the time to come on here and inform us during a time that must be tremendously difficult for you all. Sending my love and hugs to you all. x

[Paige]

I am so so sorry to hear this extremely sad news. Mark was inspirational and the forum will not be the same with out him.

Sending you love and thinking of you all.

Xx

[Sueoliver]

There are no words! Mark was an inspiration to many on this forum . I am deeply saddened for you all and thinking of you at this sad time.

Much love,

Sue xxx

[jay]

Thinking of you all. I am so sorry, Mark was truly inspirational and gave us all hope.

love to you all

Jayne

x

[sandraW]

I am so very sorry to hear the very sad news of Mark's passing, he was such a great inspiration to all of us here on the forum, as the others have said.

He certainly did it his way, and we all loved hearing about his many trips, and how he was always planning the next one, he must have made many many memories for you all to cherish.

I am so glad that his passing was peaceful and that you could all be with him, what more could we ask for. I wish you all love and strength for the next stage of your journey as you come to terms with your loss, even though I am sure you are in some way prepared, the reality it another thing. Please take care and thank you for letting us know sandrax xx

[EmmaR]

Rest in peace Mark .

Sending Kind Regards to your family

EmmaR x

[Proud Wife]

I am so very sorry to hear the news of Mark's passing which still comes as a shock. My sincerest condolences to you all.

In my thoughts and prayers.

Mark, you will be very sadly missed.

PW xx

[Didge]

I have shed a tear for Mark and although we knew it was coming, I was still dreading the news. I have often read his first post and can smile that he said he would post in the coming weeks and months (little did he know it would be years) and if people could keep the thread 'uncluttered' etc. Well, 3 years later and more than 200 posts on his thread, all I can say to his family is 'Thank you for Mark - he was a wonderful support to us all'. Didge x

[belgrade]

I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was an inspiration to all and a true fighter, he must have been a wonderful GP.

My thoughts are with you all.

Hilary

[PCUK Nurse Chris]

On behalf of the nursing team and all the staff at Pancreatic Cancer UK, we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to you all at the sad passing of Mark.

Mark was an inspiration to many through his blog and forum posts. He eloquently and sensitively detailed the emotional journey of experiencing this illness and the treatments for it.

It is a blessing to hear that he was surrounded by his family at the end of his life and that the decline was relatively painless.

Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time

Kind regards

Pancreatic Cancer Nurse Specialists

Pancreatic Cancer UK

[Ant11]

I can only reiterate and agree with what other forum member's have already said. Mark was such an inspiration to us all. He was such a gentleman and always gave such great advice. This is truly a vile disease that destroys so many people and families. Sending my heartfelt wishes to Mark's family at this sad and difficult time. Annette xx

[RLF]

Ive not been on in ages and this came as an utter surprise to me. Its amazing how, even though you've never met, you can build a connection to someone. I'm so sorry to hear that he's passed away, though I'm glad he didn't suffer as badly as some do.

Mark, thanks for all your posts, I'm going to miss them!

Rob

x