Mark's battle with brain cancer underscores the critical necessity for enhanced research and increased funding in cancer treatment and awareness initiatives.
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In a quiet corner of west Wales, the life of Mark Causey, a 61-year-old resident of Kilgetty, took a tragic turn. After dropping his wife Rosalind off at her mother’s home in Margam, Mark began a week of home improvement projects.
However, when he failed to make contact, Rosalind’s instincts raised alarm bells.
Using a webcam installed in their home, Rosalind reviewed the footage and was alarmed to see Mark appearing disheveled and unsteady. As days passed without any sign of activity, her concerns grew.
This prompted her to contact the authorities for a welfare check.
The troubling discovery
Police responded to a distress call at a residence and found Mark collapsed on the bathroom floor, where he had remained for four days. Emergency responders transported him to Withybush General Hospital, where medical staff identified severe dehydration and a semi-conscious state.
A subsequent CT scan revealed alarming lesions on his brain, prompting immediate concern from Rosalind, a nurse who recognized the seriousness of the findings.
“Hearing the word ‘lesions’ made my heart drop,” Rosalind stated. “I feared the worst—either a stroke or possibly cancer.” Mark’s condition deteriorated quickly, leading to kidney failure due to dehydration. In response, the medical team initiated a treatment plan that included administering high-dose steroids to reduce swelling in his brain.
Hope and despair
After a three-week hospitalization, Mark returned home, appearing to be on the road to recovery. However, a follow-up appointment at Singleton Hospital soon dispelled that optimism. The neurological team delivered a devastating diagnosis: glioblastoma, recognized as one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
“When the consultant explained that surgery was not an option due to the tumor’s extensive spread, we were left in shock. They estimated Mark had only eight to twelve weeks to live,” said Rosalind, her voice heavy with emotion. Despite the grim prognosis, Mark remained determined, often expressing disbelief and a strong will to confront the disease.
Mark was prescribed chemotherapy, but the lack of a biopsy left uncertainty regarding the treatment’s effectiveness. Initially, he exhibited signs of improvement, even engaging in community events such as a local bike night. Yet, a follow-up MRI revealed that the tumor had doubled in size.
Enduring the fight
“Our hearts were shattered,” Rosalind said, reflecting on the challenges faced by her partner, Mark. “He had begun walking again and was so eager to reclaim his life, but the cancer was relentless.” As they sought alternative treatments such as hyperthermic therapy in London, it became increasingly clear that Mark’s condition was too advanced for recovery.
A passionate motorbike enthusiast and marathon runner, Mark dedicated countless hours to restoring engines and enjoying the outdoors. Rosalind noted, “Mark avoided discussions about dying. Watching him slip away was heart-wrenching. I often found solace in the garden, tending to my tomatoes, so he wouldn’t see my tears.”
A community tribute
In September, Mark lost his battle with brain cancer, leaving behind a loving family and friends who united to honor his legacy. His funeral served as a poignant tribute to his passions, featuring a motorcycle hearse followed by hundreds of bikers from the community.
To honor Mark’s memory, Rosalind is now collaborating with Brain Tumour Research to participate in their 99 miles in November challenge, which aims to raise crucial funds for brain cancer research. “I’m walking 99 miles this November in memory of Mark and for everyone affected by this illness,” she said. “Research is vital to prevent others from experiencing our pain. I’ve already raised over £300 and will walk every mile for him.”
The call for awareness
Brain tumours rank among the leading causes of cancer-related fatalities in both children and adults under 40, exceeding deaths caused by prostate cancer in men under 75. Alarmingly, only one percent of national cancer research funding is directed towards this devastating illness. The 99 miles in November initiative invites participants to engage in various fitness activities, including walking, running, cycling, or swimming, to support vital research efforts.
“Mark’s story serves as a stark reminder of the severity of brain tumours,” stated Letty Greenfield, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research. “Rosalind’s bravery in sharing their journey inspires many, and every mile she walks brings us closer to discovering a cure.”
