Mark Causey's story highlights the devastating impact of brain cancer and the necessity for increased research funding.
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A shocking incident in West Wales unfolded when police discovered Mark Causey, a 61-year-old resident from Kilgetty, collapsed on his bathroom floor. It was later revealed that he had been lying there for four days. Mark had dropped off his wife, Rosalind, at her mother’s house in Margam for a short visit, intending to spend the week engaging in some DIY projects.
However, Rosalind’s concern grew when she couldn’t reach him.
Using a webcam installed in their home, Rosalind was able to monitor the situation. She noticed that Mark appeared disheveled and unsteady in the recordings leading up to his collapse.
After a period of no activity, she became alarmed and decided to call the authorities for a welfare check.
Emergency response and initial diagnosis
Upon the police’s arrival, they forced entry into the house and found Mark unresponsive on the bathroom floor.
He was immediately attended to by paramedics, who discovered that he was severely dehydrated and only semi-conscious. He was quickly transported to Withybush General Hospital, where medical examinations, including a CT scan, uncovered lesions in his brain.
Rosalind, who has a background in nursing, recognized the gravity of the situation upon hearing the word lesions. Her fears were confirmed when the doctors suggested the possibility of a stroke or even cancer. Compounding the issue, Mark was also experiencing kidney failure as a result of extreme dehydration. He received high doses of steroids to combat brain swelling and gradually began to regain some mobility.
Hope and despair
After spending three weeks in the hospital, there was a glimmer of hope for Mark. He was discharged and seemed to be on the mend. Yet, this optimism was short-lived. A follow-up appointment at Singleton Hospital in Swansea brought devastating news: Mark had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Rosalind recalls the moment: “The consultant explained that surgery or biopsy was not an option due to the tumor’s extensive spread throughout his brain. They informed us that Mark had a mere eight to twelve weeks left to live. We were in shock.” Mark, however, remained steadfast in his resolve to fight the illness. He dreamt of regaining his health to ride his beloved motorcycle, which he had painstakingly restored.
The battle against cancer
Despite the bleak prognosis, Mark was prescribed chemotherapy, although the lack of a biopsy meant that the doctors could not ascertain how effective it would be. For a time, he showed signs of improvement, managing to walk from the house to the garden gate and eventually even attending a local bike night at the pub. Yet, an MRI later revealed that the tumor had doubled in size, throwing them back into despair.
Rosalind expressed her heartbreak: “We were devastated. He had been making progress, but the tumor was relentless.” The couple explored options for private hyperthermic therapy in London, a treatment designed to use heat to target cancer cells, but the cancer’s rapid advancement made it too late for effective intervention.
A love story amidst grief
Mark was not only an avid motorbike enthusiast but also a dedicated runner who had completed several marathons. Even as his health declined, he fought valiantly, refusing to discuss the possibility of death. Rosalind found herself retreating to the garden to water her tomatoes, hiding her tears from him, knowing how much he looked forward to the first ripe one.
In September, surrounded by family and friends, Mark passed away peacefully at home. His funeral was a poignant tribute to his passion for motorcycles, featuring a motorcycle hearse and over 100 bikers joining the procession in his honor.
Raising awareness for brain cancer research
In the wake of her loss, Rosalind has joined forces with Brain Tumour Research to participate in their 99 miles in November challenge, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting vital research into brain tumors. These tumors are a leading cause of death among children and adults under 40, yet only a minimal portion of national cancer research funding is allocated to combating them.
“I’m committed to walking 99 miles this November for Mark and for all those impacted by this devastating disease,” Rosalind stated. “Research is essential to prevent others from experiencing our heartache. I’ve already raised over £300 and will walk every step in his memory.”
Brain Tumour Research is dedicated to providing sustained funding for centers of excellence focused on this critical area of study. Letty Greenfield, the community development manager at the organization, remarked, “Mark’s journey is a heartbreaking reminder of the brutality of brain tumors. Rosalind’s courage in sharing their story is inspiring, and every mile she walks brings us closer to a cure.”
