1956-2023

figure 1

Following his graduation in 1979 from the University of Manchester, Mark went on to work in general dental practices in Northwich and Altrincham in Cheshire. In 1995, he gained an MSc in Endodontics and in 2001 was accepted onto the GDC specialist list in Endodontics. He quickly developed a reputation as one of the finest specialists in the region and his referral practice grew from there. Alongside this, he was keen to pursue a role in supporting the specialty nationally; he joined the British Endodontic Society Council in 2007 and became President from 2019-2020.

Shortly after graduation, he also took a clinical teaching post at the University of Manchester and with this came a lifelong commitment to help colleagues grow in confidence and skill. He taught on both the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as well as offering teaching to GDPs looking to learn more. He was a key figure in the development of the Simply Endo programme, helping establish this course as one of the best opportunities for practitioners to up-skill in the country. He would often remark that 'we are all on a journey together' and he felt compelled to help drive folk forwards with a 'gentle push from behind'. Remember: 'the canals are always there…somewhere!'

Beyond dentistry, his passions were as varied and spectacular as his skill as an endodontist. Prior to university, he studied at the acclaimed Chetham's School of Music; he played the French horn and developed a love of music. Indeed, this is where he was to meet his future wife, Diane. Amongst his other talents were a keen eye for DIY and a fine skill with watercolour. His paintings are original, contemporary and beautiful. He and Diane nurtured a garden and, with this, came bees and chickens; the Enville honey is marvellous. The family's passion for the outdoors extended way beyond the garden though; Mark was a keen runner of middle and long distance, a cyclist and a walker. Whilst in remission, he raised over £25,000 for The Christie and Lymphoma UK by running both London and Manchester marathons.

On a human level, he was charming, charismatic and deeply intuitive to the needs of others. He revelled in the experiences and lives of everyone he met. His generosity of time and spirit was unparalleled. Naturally, people were drawn to him and his enthusiasm for life. Even following his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, he was in awe of the wonders of medicine and was proud to be one of the first recipients of novel CAR T-cell therapy. Every stage of his treatment brought with it an adventure for which he was humbled to be a part. Ever the optimist, he once quipped whist awaiting chemotherapy: 'Love every day! I intend to!' He had no Plan B.

The lives of thousands - patients, referrers and pupils alike - have all been enriched by his existence. Mark leaves behind his wife, Diane, and three children: Christian, Jahan and Hannah. Like Mark, they are beautiful, loving humans.

James Darcey and Ian Charlesworth