Thankyou...

Dear All,

It's difficult to know where to begin. Matthew, Grace and I are sat here wondering what to write to you all. Yesterday was a wonderful and fitting tribute to a wonderful man. I sat and read all the cards and letters this morning that we have received from you all, and also the comments made in the book of condolence. Your tributes have made us glow with pride.
I can't tell you how proud our family was yesterday to see the sight of you all there to honour Mark. It was a very sad occasion, which was made bearable by the presence of you all.
Grace and I also visited the church again today to have a look at the flowers that our family and Mark's colleagues sent. I don't know if you all saw the flowers sent by Mark's colleagues, but they spelled out the name, 'BEAU', they were beautiful.
The photograph of Mark that stood on the altar is stood up on my dining room table at the moment, his face beaming at me every time I walk past the door. That is how I will remember Mark, a big, beaming smile, and I hope you will too. This photo also appears on some memorial cards that we had made. Anyone who wasn't able to come to the wake, and would like one, give me a call, I do have some left, and you can remember him beaming too.
GMP very kindly allowed one of the force photographers to attend and record the events of the day. When I have the disc available, Matthew will put them on the blog as he did with the photos from the Howfener, then anyone who couldn't come yesterday, and our friends and and family in Australia can see what a special day it was.
Now the difficult task of beginning life without Mark inevitably will begin. We don't quite know where to begin, but we know we must. And I suppose that at some point this blog must come to an end. It has given us great pleasure to read the stories, and comments and good wishes, and we have known that we weren't alone throughout our journey. I hope that many of you will keep in touch, but most of all, and I know that this doesn't really need to be said, remember Mark, and like him, be nice to people, help one another, and make a difference in all that you do.
love to you all,
Wendy , Matthew and Grace xxx

Funeral arrangements.

Dear all,
It's been a difficult couple of days since Mark died, but on the whole, we feel a sense of relief for him. And we're finding, remarkably, that life must go on. All the plans for Mark's funeral have fallen quickly into place, so here goes...

A memorial service will be held at St Bartholomews Parish Church at Westhoughton at 1100 am on Tuesday 6th October, which is on School St, at the end of Market Street/Church St. Parking is very limited around the church, and I would suggest parking on either Pavilion Sqr (off Cricketers Way), or the council car park which is accessed by driving past the entrance to Pavilion Sqr and onto the car park. There is a footpath leading from the car park and onto Market St, turn left and the church is straight ahead of you.

The service will last for about one hour, then we will head for Howe Bridge Crematorium on Lovers Lane, Howe Bridge (aprox 2.5 miles) for 12.30pm. Do not feel that you all have to come to the crematorium, however you are very welcome if you wish to do so.

Following the services, there will be a wake/reception at The Brookfield Suite, Westhoughton Masonic Hall, Peel St, Westhoughton (its off Church St going back towards the A6). If you do not intend to come to the crematorium, then please just make your way to the Masonic Hall, and we will attend there following the cremation. You are all very welcome.

We have requested family flowers only, however, if you wish to make a donation to Bolton Hospice via the undertakers, Liveseys of Horwich, then that would be most welcome.

Finally, thank you for all your messages of support over the last few months, weeks and days, you've all been wonderful. Please feel free to continue to post your comments on the previous page.

Bye for now,

Wendy, Matt and Grace xxx

11.45hrs Monday 28th September 2009

Hello everybody,

this has to be truly the saddest day of our lives. Our lovely Mark left us today at 11.45 am. The people who meant most to Mark were all present. The only comfort that we can take, is that he is free from pain, and in a more beautiful place now.

Matthew and Gracie, as always, were a tower of strength, and their maturity and 'fantasticness' astound me.

Finally for now, a big thank you, and 'I love you' to Mark's family, my Dad and Anne, and to Andy and Vanessa for getting us through this awful day.

Mark 'Beau' Bridges, we loved you with all our hearts, and always will.

Wendy, Matthew and Grace xxxx

Where to start...?

Hello everyone, as I say, where to begin?

Firstly, well done again to Natalie, and the rest of you who have put a smile on mine and everyone else's faces this week no doubt, 'Butlins meets Colditz', a perfect analogy. I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking this, but I reckon that some of these stories and anecdotes would make a great little book about our 'Lives on Mars'. And Natalie seems to be the one who's handiest with the pen.....it's just a thought.

Now the difficult bit, Mark has grown steadily weaker and weaker as this last week has passed. He is pretty much sleeping most of the time and communicating very little now. It is the intention to increase his medication in order to keep him sedated so that he is not in any more pain. Although the staff at the Hospice dont say, I think it's very difficult to judge, but I sense that Mark is coming to the end of this awful journey. I already feel a massive sense of loss, as Mark has'nt been at home for over two weeks now, and our world at home is empty without him.

It's true what they say, you dont know just what you have until it is gone, and I certainly did'nt. There's a song that always did make me cry a little bit -Cherish- by Kool and the Gang. Listen to the words, and do what it says, 'Cherish the love we have, cherish the life we live'. Do these things, because you never know when fate will snatch it away from you, take nothing for granted.

I'm sorry this is so sad, but it just how I feel right now.

For now, love to you all

Wendy xxx

Tuesday 8th...

Hello everyone,

Sorry it's been a few days since I have updated you all, but it's difficult to know what to say sometimes, especially when your brains' gone 'haddled'!

Just thought I would add one of Grace and Matts 'un-official' photos from the Howfener-you 'Wigan lot' seem to have missed the official ones, and we can't have you feeling left out.

Mark is a little more lucid than he was a few days ago, and isn't ready to shuffle off this mortal coil just yet! He is still very weak, and very tired. Just occasionally I get a glimpse of the Mark I know and love, but the drugs cloud his usual jolly self.

Mark reminded me to say 'well done' to the outgoing A Div Golf Society Captain-Stuart I believe, and 'good luck' to Andy Marron the incoming captain. Mark would have loved nothing better than to be there with you all on Weds, getting very wet no doubt, but unfortunately a higher being had other ideas...

This is a very tiring and strange time for us at the moment, so please forgive me if I don't update this as often, but rest assured, if there is any news to share, then I will. In the meantime, this has all gone a bit serious....if there are any untold stories of myth or mirth that haven't already been told of days on the 'A', or holidays in Ibiza (you know who you are), then continue to write and raise a smile.

Love to you all

Wendy, Mark, Matt and Gracie xxxx

Just a quickie...

Just a quick update for you all, Mark has had a torrid time of it over the last few days, but appears to be a little better. The sickness seems to be under control, as does the pain. He is quite demoralised, and still weak, but we're doing our best to keep his spirits up.
I'll keep you all updated again soon,
Wendy, Matt and Gracie xxx

Photos from the howfener..

Hey this is a message from Matt, so apologies for the lack of other content.. im not sure if this link will work for you, so please write a reply as to whether or not you can view them asap.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42134162@N08/show/with/3878661630/

Soul feet...

Below is a link to a video on YouTube that Mark did a couple of years ago. It shows him doing his favourite thing, dancing to Northern Soul...enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UGxSM3mf8Q

Wendy

Just to keep you updated

Hello everyone, just to update you all. Mark went into the Hospice on Saturday morning. He is very poorly, but they are making him as comfortable as they possibly can. Mark says that he feels safe there, and that means alot.

Keep my lovely man in your prayers,

Wendy, Matt and Gracie xxx

What can I say?

Ladies and gents, what can I say? Last night was unbelievable. It was wonderful to see you all, faces from the past and the present, it was a magnificent effort by you all.
It took a supreme effort on Mark's part to be there last night, I know he wouldn't have missed it for the world. As I said last night, Matthew hadn't really wanted to come, as he thought it would be too emotional-and it was-however, he got the message that I wanted him to, that his dad has made an impression on the world, that won't be forgotten for a very long time.
I know that many of you travelled a considerable distance to be there, thankyou so much for your effort.
I am so sorry that Mark didn't get to speak to everyone, but it was just too much for him...but I hope you all enjoyed the opportunity to meet up and reminisce about old times.
Also, a big thankyou for your generosity. Matt told me when he got home that over £760 was raised from the collection for Bolton Hospice...well done everyone!
Thankyou also for taking the time to talk to Matt and Grace, and make them welcome. Everyone thinks their own children are special, but these two are exceptional young people if I say so myself. I think it's plain for all to see what an impact Mark's personality has had on their characters, and what smashing kids they are. We love you both enormously.
Thankyou also to our wonderful friends, who helped to make last night possible, Peter Giles, Stuart Pizey, Graham Nield, The Police Federation, Peter and Sue 'RF'. I am sure I have missed people off, if I have, I am sorry, but a big thankyou for everything guys.
As Mark said to me last night, it was truly humbling to see you all, and the esteem in which Mark is held, and that is comforting to us all as a family.
On a sad note, Mark has had a bad night, and I am waiting to hear from his doctor at the hospice to see if he can be admitted today, as he is quite poorly. He spent the last three days in bed, and just wants to sleep now. Whilst I know some of you still want to visit Mark, I am afraid it is just not possible right now, he isn't well enough.
I lay awake all night going over in my head what I wanted to say to you all this morning, and I am sure stuff will come back to me that I have forgotten. But for now, I'll close. Keep Mark in your prayers, and as all good Northern Soul boys say, 'Keep the faith'.
Love to you all
Wendy,Mark, Matt and Gracie xxx

It's me again!

Hello everyone, it's me again, typing throught the fingers of my able secretary, Wendywoo.

It's a very close run thing as to who's stories and comments are the funniest up to now, we think Vinny has it by a nose, but Nat gets extra points for starting it off! Vinny has the advantage on 'risque', as he has retired.

I am trying to build up my reserves of strength for tomorrow (Thurs)night. I will try to see and speak to as many of you as possible, but please don't be offended if I can't spend too much time. Sue RF has offered me the use of her spare room (werhey) if I need to lie down for a bit during the evening for a rest. I am aiming to be there at about 8.30pm.

Thanks for all your continued support, and love, it really does mean alot to Wendy and I.

Mark, Wendy, Matt and Gracie xxx

The weekend update...

Hello everyone, hope you're all well.
Mark, Matt, Gracie and I have all been up to the Lakes for the weekend-the lodges owned by the benevolent fund. We've had a lovely time, but it was very tiring. We came back earlier than planned on Sunday afternoon, partly because the British weather got the better of us, and partly because Mark was a bit uncomfortable.
We sailed from Bowness to Ambleside on Saturday, which was lovely, I'll add some photos when I get chance to 'upload' them-thats 'put them on't computor' for the technophobes amongst you! I have put on one of the family portraits that my dad did a couple of weeks ago for now, hope you like it.
For anyone who doesn't know...Mark is having a bit of a gathering on Thursday 27th at the Howfener pub on Bolton Rd, Westhoughton. Obviously, we don't know how Mark will be feeling on the night, but will do his very best to put in an appearance. For anyone who remembers her, Sue RF (manager of SNOB in the Arndale circa 1988- Welsh and swore alot-still does), is the manager of the Howfener. If you intend to attend, then let either Pete Giles or Stuart Pizey know-for catering.
re memories of BSPS/Arndale -Les and Ivan the lovely RAC men who stood on Market Street by Burtons.
I'll say bye for now, and hope to see many of you on Thursday.
Wendy, Mark, Matt and Grace xxx

I'd better get this right...

Right, I had better get this right, I have had my instructions! Firstly, I thought I'd add a photo of the Tyldesley Boys Bridgade for good measure, and a bit of added interest.
Mark's feeling a lot chirpier today, and significantly lighter. He's still not eating properly - can you believe it? However he's drinking and when I left tonight, said he was starving, so that's a good sign.
We're hoping that if he is as well tomorrow, that he may be able to come home in the evening, and we can go to the log cabin in the Lake District on Friday as planned. (fingers crossed)
Now then, back to my instructions...BSPSisms....

Neil Hales - the body drawn on the floor in core 5, 'say no more'.

John Sinclaire -prisoners sandwiches for 'Bobby the budgie'.

STINGRAY -Mark tells me it wasn't Stingray, but BIG RAT.....the question that no body else knew the answer to was, 'What was the machine called that gave Joe 90 his powers? (who's Joe 90? some of you are asking). The answer was, 'BIG RAT', and only Mark could possibly know what BIG RAT was an acronym for...wait for it....BRAIN IMPULSE GALVANASCOPE RECORD AND TRANSFER. Why would anyone know that?

Ex officer with initials 'JW' peeing against the counter of the takeaway, whilst grinning and ordering a chicken fried rice???
Same officer placing appendage in ones pint...

A certain (now) high ranking officer ordering the ramming of the doors with a Sherpa van at the Mark Addy....you know who you are M'am.

The Press Club
The Conti Club
The Jolly Angler - card schools
John Bull
Moonrakers
The Millionaire Club (Cloakroom)
The Plaza Cafe - half hot, hot, suicide, armageddon, goodbye.
The original Topkapi Palace
...and finally....personalised glassed at 'Boddies Brewery'

Some of you will be reading this wondering what on earth it's all about...it's the memoires of someone who was here when things were very much more interesting.
Mark has found all of this very amusing, and had a big smile on his face whilst we were going through some of your reminiscences, and his own, lets keep the big smile going.
Wendy, Marl, Matt and Gracie xxx

Tuesdays bulletein...

Mark was moved to Bolton Hospice this morning, feeling somewhat the worse for wear...He's had about 6.5 litres of fluid drained from his stomach - the surgeon said he couldn't manage that in his rugby days- no duff! (they have a funny sense of humour that lot!).
He's alot more comfortable now, and the aim is to get his medications balanced, get him eating again and get him some physio to get him mobile again - he's all weak and wobbly at the moment. He's got a lovely room with a big bay window overlooking the garden, and some lovely people looking after him. Hopefully, they'll get him sorted in the next week or so, and he'll be able to come home again.
Mark reminded me that you could put six prisoners on the old 330 -I'd long since forgotten - and as for Finbar O'Neal, I'm sure he's an alien being, he's been around forever and never changes (his clothes).
Do any of you remember certain members of the Arndale staff dressing up in ladies clothes at IBIZA? I'm sure there were photos....I'll say no more!
And Saturday breakfasts at Ravel?
And the racing at DER?
For now, 'keep the faith' as they say,
Wendy, Mark, Matt and Gracie xxx

An Update...

Hello everyone,
I thought I had better update you all. Mark has had a bad couple of days, and has had to go into hospital. He has had a lot of fluid on his stomach which has had to be drained off.
Hopefully, tomorrow Mark will be going into Bolton Hospice for a few days to try and get his medication back on an 'even keel'.
We're not really sure if the '27th' is going to happen at this stage, but I'll keep you updated.
Natalie, your memories of the 'good old days' made us both laugh - but what about the 330, can't believe you missed that one off!
Keep Mark in your prayers everyone, love toyou all,
Wendy,Mark, Matt and Gracie xxx

Hello Everyone ! ... It,s me at last !

Just a few candid shots!

This week with my extended (TAG) family!

Love em' to bits!

Penina GC Portugal 2008

(fine Westhoughton stock)

Queen or Bowie, Maine Rd circa 85-86.
3rd from the left-blue shirts! Halcyon days.....



Rome 2007

Well ! What on earth do I say to you all first?

Hello to you all, friends and family old and new. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, a million times over for all the care and concern you have already shown to me and my family during this worrying time.

You cannot possibly begin to conceive how moved and loved I and my family are feeling having receive your overwhelming numbers of prayers, texts, cards, emails and phone calls supporting us at this very distressing time.

Wendy, Mattie and Gracie already seem to have reported on here the couple of roller coaster months we have been going through since diagnosis quite eloquently, and there seems no point in me going over the same ground again because as we so often and philosophically ruminate on both here and at work that despite the best laid plans, "Sh*t Happens !

We have hopefully come through the feelings of anger and crushing injustice I am sure all families feel when faced with such situations. Personally I have now come to accept I am no more owed extra time here on earth than anyone else is once my number is called. I especially had problems with this early in the diagnosis (and by way of an apology to you all) that has resulted in me probably not being able to find the right words to speak to you here before now.

That aside and after putting things into perspective you start to ask yourself that age old question,"Did I Make A Difference in my Life?"

I always felt that I understood the meaning of life quite early on. It’s different for everyone I know, but for me it was always the pursuit of happiness. Not just for me but everyone. I have always tried to make people laugh throughout my life! It always gives me great pleasure to hear people belly laughing at one of my daft remarks! If my epitaph only ever said, "He made a few people smile", then thats plenty for me.

I know I've made very few enemies in my life and only have to look around at all of you who have contacted Wendy and I over the weeks to know that despite the rigours of raising families and getting on with the mundane side of life, over the years we have both been blessed with wonderful friends and family who remain ever present in our time of need. Thankyou again.

I want to say lots to you over the weeks but today was a start and I need to find the correct words to do it.

So as it's all getting a bit deep this I will sign off in a minute. Suffice to say that I will be back on here soon and try to keep it as upbeat and cheerful in the future as possible.

I will appreciate it if you all keep it that way too. Misery is ten a penny in this world .

Cheerfulness is PRICELESS.

So come on and cheer me up.

Catch you all again soon.

Love to you and yours.

Beau, Woo and the Kids.

Thanks everyone!

Dear All,
I just want to say a big thankyou to all of you, who have so far contributed to this blog, with your lovely comments and kind wishes. Mark is 'working up' to posting his own comments, and has logged on numerous times, but can't find the right words yet.
Mark has drawn great comfort from some of the lovely comments, they have made us laugh and cry. It is heart warming to know that you hold him in such high esteem, and that he has so many good friends and colleagues.
Mark is very tired at the moment. He's got lots of things he wants to say and write down, but just can't find the energy or the words at the moment...we're hoping the sun will come out and cheer us both up!
In the meantime, if you have any funny stories, or anecdotes or good jokes-we could do with a laugh.
If you too can't find the right words to put down, but are viewing this blog regularly, put your thinking cap on, and just write from the heart.
Wendywoo xxx

The Bad News Is..

Dear All,
We went to Christies today, and our worst fears were confirmed, the cancer has already spread to his lungs and stomach.
They have offered Mark chemotherapy, which may shrink the tumour in his oesophagus, but wont really help much with the lungs and stomach. Effectively, it might give us a few more months. Mark isn't sure what to do yet, whether to have the chemo or not.
I'm really sorry that there isn't more positive news. As you can all imagine, as a family we are devastated. Matthew and Gracie know the extent of Mark's illness and are being 'super brave' under the circumstances.
Mark's in bed right now, but when he's feeling a bit more with it, he will update this himself. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Wendy, Mark, Matt and Gracie xxx

Beau's Blog!

Hello everyone, Wendy here. We've decided to create a blog for you all to keep up with what's happening with Mark and his treatment.
We have had dozens of cards, messages, texts, phone calls and visits over the last few weeks since Mark was diagnosed. It has been overwhelming for both of us...but great to know that so many of you are thinking about him. It is though, exhausting repeating to you all what's happening, and so our very smart son, Matthew, has created this so that we can update you all with Mark's treatment and progress.
Another reason for this blog is that, once Mark starts his chemotherapy, because of his reduced immunity, and the threat of 'swine flu', it wont be practical to have so many visitors to the house.
Tomorrow, Weds 22nd July, Mark has his first visit to Christies to see the consultant and discuss the plan of attack!
If you have any messages for Mark (or tales that might make him smile!), please put them on.
Keep in touch everyone, by for now,
Wendy Mark Matt and Gracie xxx