A message from the family of Prof. David Mark Cato
It has been eleven days since the last blog entry and, as it now seems highly unlikely that Mark will be adding to it himself, we thought it timely to post a brief news update for regular readers who may naturally be concerned.
On 24 October Mark’s condition deteriorated very significantly since which time he has been in bed, almost continually on his Nippy respirator and with substantial pain medication. Over the past ten days his condition has gradually worsened and, while he has received astounding care from all concerned, it has become clear that he needed more specialist medical attention than was available at home.
This morning he was admitted to an excellent hospice which will care for him in the coming days and where he will also be able to be in the company of his family.
During this very tough time Mark has shown all the strength of character, tenacity and humour that will be familiar to followers of his blog and we are sure it would mean a great deal to him to know that he is in your thoughts and prayers.
Mark wrote his final blog entry some time ago and as and when the time comes this will appear.
With our thanks and best wishes,
Alice, Miles & Chloe.
13 Comments
Just to say I thought something must be wrong – I am a regular follower of the blog and huge admirer of Mark.Please send him my very best wishes and love.
He is very lucky to have you all. Thank you for posting and letting us all know.
Mark, My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend, I am sorry I was never able to get to see you at Lords this year but got the update from the other guys. I shall always remember the happy days of drinking champagne, lords xmas lunches and the tremendous support you have been not only to me but all our colleagues there. I will raise a glass of champagne here in Abu Dhabi for the 26 years of wonderful friendship.
Thank you for updating us all on Mark’s health.I have been concerned when the daily blog did not appear.
I have been following it every day for months or even years.
Please give Mark my very best wishes and tell him that i am thinking of him.
Brita
So sad to read this latest entry in Marks diary. I have been reading it from the onset as my husband was diagnosed at the same time as Mark. We lost him 2 years ago on the 6th November.My families thoughts are with you all. We know what it is like to see a brave man suffer with MND.
Thank you for this update. The post it note is so typical of the man who’s blog I have followed for over a year. My thoughts are with Mark in his hour of need. He and you all are in my prayers. Mark you have been an inspiration to thousands of people. God Bless.
Graham.
We know that MND is a progressive disease and we are helpless in fighting the battle however Mark’s attitude has been an inspiration to other sufferers and their families.
Mark,I miss your blog entries already and my thoughts are with you.
Thank you for the update on Mark. Our thoughts are with him and his family.
Thank you for the update on Mark. I lost my wife Joyce to MND in March last year. From the day she was diagnosed I have been reading Mark’s blog daily. He has been inspiring and a comfort to me. My thoughts are both with him and you with the hope that you find some comfort in his courage and dignity at this time.
Russ
What a warrior! It has been a privilege to have known Mark ( albeit only fleetingly,and only by email) and to have seen his bravery and dignity in the face of this wretched disease. I know what it is like to see a person suffer like this, and to nurse a dear husband through MND, and my thoughts are with Mark’s “lovely” and family. I wish him a peaceful passing – he deserves it after such a struggle. Penny
my thoughts and prayers are with Mark and you all. He has been so wonderfully brave and good humoured throughout his illness. My twin sister developed first signs of MND in 2008, and we are soldiering on! I found Mark’s blog so encouraging. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless, Mary in Dublin
Our thoughts are with you all, Please do not hesitate to call if we can do anything to help you all at this time. Debbie & Ollie
My dearest Alice, I am so sorry to hear that Mark is not well at all our thoughts are with Mark and his family in those very difficult moments. mark has always been an inspiration to me and a lot of other people but also a dearest friend. Very special people like Mark usually are, as they show the way to nobleness truth courage dignity and hope. please let me know if there is a possibility of visiting you as I am in England at the moment.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mark Cato. I didn’t know him personally but his blog gave great inspiration and comfort to my husband Tom Luke a fellow MND suferer who sadly passed away on July 2nd 2011.
My thought sare with you all.
Mary Luke