In memory of Mark Rainer and in support of his son

A number of friends and colleagues have asked if there is anything that they can do to support Mark’s memory. As a family we will be supporting Sarcoma UK and any donations to this wonderful charity are welcome and encouraged.

However, colleagues from Walsall Manor Hospital and the Well Wishers charity have expressed a wish to contribute to Mark’s memory through support for his son who has, inside two weeks, lost his dad and his grandad.

Mark ensured that Josh would be provided for through his savings, but if you choose to support in this way we will ensure that your contribution is kept in trust for Mark’s brave, brilliant son.

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Mark Rainer was a devoted father to Josh (15), a loving partner to Nikki, an influential role model to his step-son, a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, and, to many, a friend.

Mark was a devoted public servant, most recently a Senior Pharmacy Assistant. He had, like his mom before him, worked for the NHS at Walsall Manor Hospital for more than 20 years. He was very proud of his contribution and was known for taking the time to seek out friends and

acquittances who were in hospital to cheer them up or to deliver their medicine in person.

Alongside his son, his greatest love was football - hundreds knew him as a follower of Walsall Football Club and a committed supporter of the junior programme at Pelsall Villa.

Mark was diagnosed with progressive pericardial sarcoma in the summer of 2022. He engaged with his treatment with determination, taking the many disappointments on the chin and, somehow, keeping his spirits up for the benefit of his family. Even when recently hospitalised he didn’t want to share his full prognosis with his mom, as she was nursing Mark’s father, who also recently passed away, just before Christmas. This is typical of the man he was - always thinking of others, even as he was grieving not being able to be at his dad’s bedside.

Mark died whilst in hospice care on 2nd January 2024. The Walsall Palliative Care Centre gave Mark his dignity back and also gave his family a precious final Christmas. As he said, “it is so nice here to wake up to birds singing after so long in hospital.”

Thank you for your time and support of Mark in life.