The family of a much-loved 34-year-old man from Tameside are sharing his story to raise awareness of organ donation and to support patients and families at Tameside Hospital.
Following his death in September 2025, Mark’s kidneys, pancreas, liver, heart and lungs were donated, giving a second chance at life to five people in urgent need of transplants. He was also able to donate bone and tendons, helping even more patients on their road to recovery.
Mark was admitted to the Critical Care Unit at Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust on 28 August 2025 after suffering multiple cardiac arrests caused by a seizure. Paramedics worked tirelessly to resuscitate him before transferring him to hospital, where specialist teams continued his care.
For Mark’s mum, Dawn, and stepdad, Alan, walking into the Critical Care Unit was one of the most overwhelming moments of their lives, but one made more bearable by the compassion of staff.
“Walking onto that unit, I can imagine we looked like rabbits in headlights. But the staff were incredible,” Dawn said. “They explained everything, answered every question and never made us feel like we were alone.
“One thing I will never forget is that even though Mark was on a ventilator and unresponsive, staff spoke to him whenever they did tests or took blood. As a mother, that meant the absolute world.”
Despite every effort and extensive testing, Mark did not regain consciousness. His family say doctors delivered the devastating news that he would not recover with great care and respect, giving them the time and space they needed.
Mark was a registered organ donor, and with support from the specialist organ donation team, his family honoured his wishes. On 2 September 2025, he passed away. As he was taken to theatre, hospital staff and other families formed a Guard of Honour in recognition of his final act of generosity.
Through his donation, Mark saved five lives. A man in his forties received one of Mark’s kidneys and his pancreas after spending three years on the transplant waiting list. A man in his twenties received the other kidney after waiting more than four years.
Mark’s liver went to a man in his thirties who urgently needed a transplant after more than a year on the list. A woman in her fifties received a rare and precious heart transplant after just five days waiting, while another woman in her fifties was given a double lung transplant.
Emily Whelan, Charity Manager at Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity, said: “Mark’s story has touched all of us deeply. The care he received, the dignity shown to his family and the legacy he has left behind are incredibly moving.
“Dawn’s strength and determination to honour Mark and continue his legacy is remarkable, and through her kindness and openness, Mark continues to bring hope to others.”
Since Mark’s death, his family, friends and colleagues have united to give back to the Critical Care Unit that cared for him. Funds raised will support the unit and contribute towards a proposed memorial garden for patients and families.
A live music event held in Mark’s memory and donations at his funeral raised £1,050. Dawn’s workplace, Prestbury Travel, raised more than £5,000 in a single day through a holiday auction, raffle and donations.
Dawn hopes that by speaking out, Mark’s legacy will go beyond those he saved.
“We’re so proud of him,” she said. “If sharing Mark’s story encourages even one person to join the organ donor register or have that conversation with their family, then something positive can come from our loss.”
Donations towards the memorial garden can be made via JustGiving at: https://justgiving.com/page/memorialgarden-mark
To find out more or to join the UK Organ Donor Register, visit: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk
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