“The Ride Of His Life “

Sadly last week we saw the passing of the Man, the Legend and one of the most kind hearted, caring, thoughtful, most selfless person I have ever known, Mark Cheffey….  

It's coming up to a year since Mark's diagnosis, which feels like both no time at all and a lifetime ago.

Things have changed so quickly… In May 2023, Mark had a seizure in the early hours of the morning which meant he needed to be rushed to hospital, and he underwent various tests and scans.

A few days into that, everyone knew that something was badly wrong, and he was eventually diagnosed with a with a grade 4 brain tumour, a glioblastoma.

He had a lot of weakness and his mobility was affected, and he had a more serious seizure last July, which led to time in intensive care. Well whilst in hospital undergoing tests, Mark thought of life’s priorities and duly proposed to Bev. Who was delighted to accept and with Eli chose the ring with Mark's blessings a few days after he had proposed.

Mark then married Bev in the comfort of his own home with close family in attendance. Mark bravely did all that his loving wife Bev told him, before a series of issues led to Mark then spending Christmas and the new year in the marvellous Joseph Weld hospice. I think that we were all surprised that the Inpatient Unit was such a nice environment. The first time I went there I was very nervous and anxious, assuming it was going to be depressing or even bleak, but when you're there you realise that it is so welcoming and a nice, relaxed place to be.

Once Mark was allowed to come home, a care package was put in place and Bev then become Mark's primary and very loving, full time carer.

A job she did tirelessly, routinely, always with a smile on her face, and in her own wonderfully kind caring way. They have been visited by their Weldmar Community Nurse regularly to check on Mark. He has fought tooth and nail everything this horrible, horrible disease has thrown at him, helped by the love of his wife, children, step children and family.

Sadly I paid my last visit to see Mark last Tuesday with Jason, and then eventually Mark succumbed to this horrible illness on Thursday 2nd May 2024….. Xx

Who would've thought that sitting in a class in alphabetical order would be the reason that Dave Caddy, Steve Chaldecott, Mark Cheffey would become lifelong friends. Along with even longer term friend Jason Wilkinson we’ve visited Mark each week since this all started in May last year. Over the past 40 years, when I look back, we have, with other good friends shared some fabulous times and experiences. Jaunty lads holidays to Spain & The Canary Islands etc.

Spending many hours together watching Football & cricket matches & going to Concerts, and we've also been a bit more energetic, going on our bikes and swimming together..

And not to mention the general laughter and fun times and great nights out... It's crazy that you spend such little time reflecting on great times with precious friends during day to day life …. until sad times like this……..

Mark was a true friend. One I could always rely on, and he was always ready to help anyone.....Always..

As I said it was only this time last year that Mark, Bev, Caleb, Merley, Connor, Eli and all Marks families lives were turned upside down.

And all of them have done everything they possibly could to help Mark deal with a gruelling year of treatment, with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and every other treatment known to man, Mark never once moaned about anything he has been through.

On our regular weekly visits we'd spend many evenings chatting, laughing, and reminiscing on good times and great days. Our love of football saw Mark lining up the best night for us to visit next. Often when Leeds were playing I will add. ❤️‍.. We watched both Leeds v Stoke games together this season as both were midweek night matches, with us both having 1-0 wins.

Considering the circumstances, we enjoyed our regular nights up at Louise Road with Mark and his lovely family. We were always made to feel welcome. Caleb would get back from work or the gym. Mark would ask him to go upstairs and strum some tunes for us on his guitar. Caleb would normally say he had things to do. Yet minutes later we’d hear an hour long medley of Marks favourites, beautifully floating down the stairs from Caleb’s guitar. Often starting with some chords of Guns n Roses … ❤️‍

Then Merley would get back from football training, tell us all about it. Go and get changed and then come and join us watching the game on the TV.

All whilst Bev was supplying us three lads with plentiful cups of tea, cake and biscuits….

And despite all Mark was going through, he always, always took time to ask me how I was, about my work, and Callum and Maddie, and how life was for me .... Mark was truly a very special mate...

But... Mark has sadly left behind one lovely little family, his wife Bev and his two children Caleb 19 & Merley 13, Also two loving Stepchildren Connor & Eli. All nor have to navigate their way through a different and very difficult world.

One they now all have to navigate through sad times, no amount of strength and resilience to start with, will take away the pain of the loss of Mark. The loving husband, Dad, Step Dad, brother and son.

So I am going to try and help make a little difference. And help them realign their lives without Mark being with them, take away some of the stress of everyday life. Maybe help

them afford a holiday together. Who knows.

On the 16th/17th June 2024 I am going to get on my bike, in honour of Mark, who had a passion for cycling, I am going to cycle 110km around the Isle of Wight in Marks honour and memory. xx

Dave Caddy and Jason Wilkinson are also joining me on it . I am calling it "The RIde of His Life"....

I am hoping with your help, I can raise enough money to give Mark's lovely little family that financial support that is so needed in times like this.. Caleb & Merley, who sadly Mark has brought up predominantly on his own, are now left without either parent at just 19

& 13 years old . Maybe we can club together for Mark to find them a little something to go towards essentials. Or maybe even for a little family holiday to treat themselves. ❤️‍…

So please, please come along for the ride, and sponsor me to make a difference for the lovely Cheffey family in memory of the lovely, kind hearted, already much missed Mark Cheffey.... ❤️‍xx