Richard’s Hospice Story for Mark
“From the moment we arrived at the hospice with Mark, every member of the team had time for us. There was no feeling of sorrow or sadness, they were just so loving and caring to Mark, to his wife, Jane, and to our whole family,” said Richard Thomas, from Felixstowe, whose father-in-law Mark Erskine received support from St Elizabeth Hospice before his death in February 2024.
Annually, St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East & Mid-Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney. This care sees the independent Suffolk charity providing free services – whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice – to those living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.
“I first met Mark when I began dating Leanne (who would become Richard’s wife), aged 13, and he was someone I really looked up to. Over the years he was a role model and a friend, with us both sharing a love for Liverpool Football Club.”
“He always looked after himself and had a real passion for sport. We enjoyed cycling and playing golf together, even taking part in events such as Suffolk Sunrise bike ride – with many more future ambitions and challenges planned.
“However, in 2021, Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma – a type of brain tumour. It followed a few years of ongoing health concerns, including fainting spells and heart problems.
“Over the course of these three years, Mark’s health declined further. The tumour caused him to lose his speech and the ability to move his right arm and leg. As a family, we supported him at home, where he wanted to be so he could see his loved ones as much as possible.
“We even created a bucket list for Mark, which included writing 18th birthday cards for his younger children, as well as cards for family members and visiting Anfield for a stadium tour too.”
“Initially, he received support from the hospital following his diagnosis. St Elizabeth Hospice became involved later in his life, with Mark attending the Community Care Unit for personal care, respite care and symptom control, before moving to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in January 2024.
“It just felt like a place of peace, with the hospice team providing Mark with pain management and symptom control.
“Knowing he was in the best place possible for care, brought so much comfort to us. The hospice is such a loving environment, like a real home and not clinical at all.
“Mark died in February 2024 at St Elizabeth Hospice, just after his 60th birthday and as a family we knew we wanted to give back to this fantastic charity to show our gratitude for all their help and for giving Mark such dignity and peace with their care.
“Mark was such a huge part of our lives, and we’ll carry him with us in everything we do. This is what inspired Leanne and I to fundraise for St Elizabeth Hospice.
“In fact, Leanne raised over £2,785 by completing a skydive in June alongside her step-mum Jane Erskine, Keira Erskine and Sara Erskine – which was just amazing.
“Throughout my challenge, I cycled indoors and outdoors around Suffolk – I even cycled on an indoor bike at St Elizabeth Hospice too.
“Before finishing on 26 July at Trimley Memorial Hall. I love the fact that all my friends and family were there to celebrate with me at the finish line.”
“In total I raised over £1,400, which is just amazing and I am so grateful to everyone who supported me. All the money will go to the hospice and it’s great to know it will help someone else in need of their care
“The last 300 miles were quite emotional for me thinking about the reason why I am doing this, but I am really happy with the achievement.
