‘Inspirational’ - Tributes paid to Flower Man
Popular Mark loses his battle against illness aged 51
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for popular Cheltenham businessman Mark Morris. The 51-year-old has died after suffering from motor neurone disease.
He ran The Flower Man business from pitches in the town’s Promenade and High Street for many years before he was diagnosed with the illness last year.
It forced him to stop work but his business continues under different management.
The Flower Man’s Facebook page responded to the news of Mark’s passing by saying: “The whole team at The Flower Man are sending all of our love and support to Mark’s family and friends.
“It has been our honour to work for such an inspirational man.”
That prompted dozens of messages from people expressing their sadness and fond memories of Mark.
Former Cheltenham mayor Klara Sudbury tweeted: “A true Cheltenham legend. Rest well, Mark, you will never ever be forgotten.”
Another message said: “So much love for such an amazing, kind man. Thoughts and prayers with you all and the family.”
Another added: “Rest in paradise, Mark, you were a wonderful man, always smiling, your flowers were beautiful, a true legend in our town, you will be missed. I hope you get your bench, and perhaps a tree, to live and grow in your memory.”
The Flower Man team is raising money to put a plaque on a bench opposite the stall in Promenade in Mark’s honour.
It was something he said he wanted, as a way of him being remembered in the future at a spot that meant so much to him, they said.
The team has launched an online crowdfunding campaign to raise £1,300, adding that Mark had battled his debilitating condition “very bravely and with such dignity” and had enjoyed making memories with his family to leave them with some very happy times to think of when he was no longer here.
“One of Mark’s wishes was to have a bench in Cheltenham in his name; somewhere for people to come and sit, to remember him and to chat if they need someone to listen,” they said.
Members of The Flower Man had hoped to pay for the bench but they said that, following the coronavirus pandemic, they were not able to at the moment.
The team hopes to secure the money for the bench as soon as possible and they said any money left over after it has been paid for would be donated to Mark’s chosen charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
It funds and promotes global research into the disease and provides support to people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.