‘We wanted to give something back to Blythe House Hospice because they helped us so much through this difficult time.’
Mark and his wife Emmaline – known as Emma – shared a life marked by love, resilience, and commitment as they navigated the challenges of Emma’s complex health conditions.
Together since 2003 and married in 2006, they shared five children and celebrated four grandchildren.
Emma’s battle with end-stage emphysema, heart failure, lung disease, advanced kidney disease, alongside osteoporosis and a very rare condition that saw deformation of Emma’s fingers, toes, teeth and hair, placed significant demands on their family. From 2006, Mark became Emma’s full-time carer, a role he embraced with unwavering dedication.
Emma was referred to Blythe House in December 2023 by specialists at Stepping Hill Hospital, and the family found vital support here, helping them face the emotional and practical realities of Emma’s illness.
Mark says: ‘Emma was referred to Blythe House in December 2023 and started to attend clinics with Dr Sarah Parnacott, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, who was absolutely fantastic. She provided much-needed advice, support and medical input. We also had help from Angela and Miriam – the hospice’s physiotherapist and occupational therapist – who came around to see us. Emma said to them: “I know the house; you know the equipment – what do I need?” They were so helpful, making things more manageable for us both.
‘We attended counselling at the hospice too — both together as a couple and also Emma on her own. She was quite angry about the diagnosis; she was so young and had a lot to come to terms with. We tried to face it all head-on. We did everything together. I advocated for her, supported her, and made sure she always had someone by her side.
‘Sadly, Emma passed away on Sunday 2nd March 2025, aged just 50. We wanted to give something back to Blythe House Hospice because they helped us so much through this difficult time. For the funeral, donations were made in her memory, and our son Liam, who works at Café Nero, was able to put collection pots in cafés across Manchester. Café Nero colleagues also organised a sponsored walk to raise funds. So far, we have raised over £272 for the hospice. It means a lot to us all to honour Emma’s memory and support others going through similar journeys.’
Find out more about the services provided here at Blythe House Hospice
