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
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
Mark Wendy,
ReplyDeleteJust heard the awful news from Stevie. It doesn't make any sense to me, it is so unfair. The last time I saw you both was on a windy Blackpool looking at the Illuminations, seemed like a good idea at the time but my three mile hike back to civilisation after we left you had me wondering !
From reading the blog its nice to see so many people have been in touch with their support, this really is an ideal way for everyone to stay in contact. Well done Matt !
If there is anything I can do please don't hesitate to ask.
You are in my thoughts and prayers every night.
Degsy
Mark Wendy
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear the sad news. It's hard to find words at a time like this but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Andy Brylski
Mark,Wendy, Matt and Grace
ReplyDeleteSandie, the girls and I are so sorry to hear your awful news. I only heard after your visit to Christie's last week so I apologise that I've not been in touch before now. As others have said - what can be said at a time like this? So many of my happiest memories are of great times we spent together - it would be good to get together for a chat when you're feeling up to it. All of you and also your wider family are in our thoughts and prayers and, really, if there is anything at all that I can help with please just get in touch or get Gilesy to give me a ring.
Steve
Mark and family
ReplyDeleteMidge told me about your sad news over the weekend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vicky Reynolds
Ted only just figured out how you leave a comment... fully fledged technophobe!
ReplyDeleteChick forwarded me your text.
Just to let you know that im thinking and praying for you Wendy and the kids...
Best time of my career was us lot on 3A proper funny times... dont think me or weeden ever quite understood your passion for singing northern soul songs all day but nevertheless it was a great laugh!
Your a truly top ted.
Take it easy Beau.
Jen passes her love too!
Roger
Mark, Wendy, Matthew and Grace
ReplyDeleteOnly heard the wretched news yesterday. There is nothing that can be put into writing which reflects the upset that I feel, along with all of your friends and colleagues.
This is a reflection of your popularity and the respect that everybody feels for you.
If there is anything at all that we can do for you at any time at all, please just ask, we are just around the corner.
You are in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.
Take care
All our love
Eddy and Grace Birch
Mark and family.
ReplyDeleteI felt sick to the stomach when I heard the news, I cannot express my feeling of injustice for you , I just wanted to say you and your family are at the forefront of my thoughts, I will be following your updates on here very closely.
Take care and all my love to you all..
Gaz Foster.
Mark and family,
ReplyDeleteHeard about your condition yesterday. Couldn't find the words to post a reply at the time, spent the rest of the day thinking about you.
I'm finding it difficult even now to share how upset I feel and my thoughts are with you all at this time.
It goes without saying that if there is anything you need there are a lot of people ready to help in any way possible.
I'll be thinking and praying for you.
Jeff Taylor.
Mark and family,
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express how I feel at the moment, sentiments that have been shared already. I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the deterioration in your health. It is a great testament to you that this blog has been set up as a way of friends and colleagues expressing their thoughts and being kept informed and updated with your news.
I recall our time at B.S.P.S. when I was a novice and just a sprog. You always had time to encourage and support me when I tried to get to grips with being a "bobby" on the busy city streets.
You always had a smile and were full of laughter and cheer. I am sure there are many others you have helped and encouraged as well.
Thanks Mark you are truly a gent! You have alot to be proud of as does your family. Please be assured that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Be strong and have courage. Best wishes, Paolo.
Hi Beau,
ReplyDeletejust heard you are a bit under the weather, but wanted to ask when we are playing golf again. Don't really know why I am asking cause you always did cheat like hell (lol).
Anyway, if you can't make it this time don't worry cause we are always here for you.
Hi Mark, just to let you know my thoughts are with you, Wendy and the family. It's only a few weeks since we bumped in to each other at S Park and as always you were your bright and breezy self. Remember the Halycon days of the Arndale, me you and Vinny playing pop quiz (over the air!... "CKA1 to Arndale patrols maintain radio discipline, over") Never could catch you out! Love and God Bless, Natalie Ratcliffe. x x x
ReplyDeleteBeau, hope your keeping all your chins up. I was reading earlier in your blog about that incident at the Mark Addy. That was so funny. I remember Jeff Crompton was driving the van and I was aiding at the time and when we got to the "Robbery in progress" we tried all sorts to get into the pub. If you remember heavy concrete planters were thrown at the doors in a vein attempt to gain access, but to no avail. When that certain high ranking officer ordered Jeff to drive through the doors he looked at her in amazement. His first attempt stopped short of the doors and he again looked at her for confirmation. On his second attempt the sherpa van was not found wanting as it normally was. They went with a resounding smash, shattering into millions of pieces. On running down the stairs to try and locate the suspects we all stopped in unison at the bottom of the stairs and thought, shit this is a robbery, "get the dog" was the cry. The staff were all found tied up in the back room and allegedly £8k had been stolen. Cost Jim Ramsbottom about £15k to repair the damage to the doors. He was furious, but he could afford it. What made it better was the fact it was on the F division and they had all the writing to do, bargain !!! It was hilarious and Jeff loved it.
ReplyDeleteHope to see you tomorrow for a drink mate.
Colin Heil