In Loving Memory of Mark Whitehouse, 19 March 1963 – 11 January 2026

Mark and Evelyn Whitehouse

We are deeply saddened and shocked to share the news that Mark Whitehouse passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

Mark was a much-loved friend, Trustee and a valued member of our community for many years. Many of you will have known him from the early Nailsea Centre days, where his presence, humour, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression.

Born and raised in Middlesex, Mark spent a short time living in Sussex with his parents before returning to Twickenham. Later, when his parents moved to Somerset, Mark followed in 2007, settling in Uphill near Weston-Super-Mare so he could be closer to his family, including his brother John.

After moving to North Somerset, Mark joined the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Nailsea. Although he struggled with his mobility, he committed himself wholeheartedly to weekly physiotherapy sessions, which he continued faithfully right up until the Monday before his passing. Mark was determined, resilient, and never one to give in easily.

Mark was a clever, witty, and fun-loving person, always smiling and willing to help others. During his working life, he enjoyed a successful global career in the IT industry with Intel, travelling extensively and collecting countless fascinating stories along the way.  While working abroad, Mark began to notice early symptoms of MS and was formally diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2003. Mark never let his diagnosis define or limit him; he continued working, contributing, and helping others wherever he could. In every sense, Mark lived a life well lived.

Many will remember Mark whizzing around the Centre in his custom-built wheelchair or proudly demonstrating his specially adapted car to impressed visitors. His ingenuity and enthusiasm were infectious.

Mark’s contribution to our charity was truly extraordinary. Over the years, he worked on numerous IT and communications projects, beginning with the development of our original branding and website at Nailsea. His knowledge, awareness, and foresight were invaluable during the planning of our move to the new Centre in Bradley Stoke, ensuring that the systems we put in place then would not only meet the Centre’s needs at the time, but continue to support our work well into the future. Mark even wrote the code for the database contact system that we still use today.

Since our move in 2012, Mark worked tirelessly alongside fellow IT volunteer Dave Whittaker, ensuring the Centre always had reliable, up-to-date systems. He managed our servers and security systems and was a driving force behind our name change to The Brightwell, as well as all subsequent rebranding and website development.

One of Mark’s most recent major projects took place last year, when the majority of the Centre’s equipment and software was upgraded, a huge undertaking for which we are exceptionally grateful. As recently as last week, Mark was still advising the team on our new appointment programme and proposed CRM system, a testament to his ongoing dedication.

Mark was also deeply involved in fundraising. He was particularly proud of the charity motorcycle ride he organised with his brother John which saw hundreds of bikers and classic motorcycles ride from Weston-Super-Mare across the Clifton Suspension Bridge to the Centre. It was a truly unforgettable spectacle!

Mark was a regular visitor to The Brightwell with his wonderful wife, Evelyn. They met in 2019 and married two years later. Evelyn’s caring nature shone through in everything she did, and she was a tremendous support to Mark. When we published an article about him, Mark said, “To be honest, I’m not sure what I’d do without her.” We sincerely hope Evelyn will continue to be part of our Brightwell community.

Beyond The Brightwell, Mark generously gave his time and expertise to the Multicultural Friendship Association and his local GP practice in Weston-Super-Mare. He touched the lives of so many people, and the kind words shared over the past week speak volumes about the impact he had on our community.

We will share details of the funeral arrangements as soon as they are confirmed. We also hope to hold a celebration of Mark’s life at the Centre and will provide further information nearer the time.

Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go to Evelyn, John and all of Mark’s family and friends.

Rest in Peace Mark.