Mark Fores

Mark Fores

Senior Nurse Workforce Delivery, NHS England, Leicester

• Passed away: 26th January 2025

Mark was a devoted husband, a proud father, an inspirational nurse and a wonderful friend. Warm, caring and full of humour, he made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. During his remarkable 34-year nursing career, Mark was highly valued and deeply respected for his knowledge, compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others.

His work across clinical practice and national leadership, particularly in critical care, Nursing Associates, simulation-based education and professional development, helped shape the future of nursing and improve care for countless patients.

Colleagues knew Mark as someone who could always be relied upon. He shared his experience generously, offered thoughtful guidance and never lost sight of the learner or patient at the heart of his work. During his clinical work, when Mark was on shift, people knew he had their back. Many said they would have trusted him to care for their own families.

His kindness, wisdom and natural ability to put people at ease made him an exceptional nurse and colleague. He was rightly described by the Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing as an inspirational nurse who left a legacy for the future of the profession.

Education meant a great deal to Mark. Proud to be the first person in his large family to earn a degree, he went on to complete a Master’s degree and hoped one day to undertake a PhD. His determination, intelligence and passion for learning inspired those around him.

Above all, Mark’s greatest love was his family. He was devoted to Joanne, his wife of 30 years, whom he met when they began their nurse training together, and he was immensely proud of their three children, Drew, Rhys and Keira. They were his world and were woven into almost every conversation.

Mark and Joanne were a true team, sharing a deep, once-in-a-lifetime love and always putting their children first. He supported his family in everything they did and celebrated their achievements with enormous pride. Mark approached life with warmth, enthusiasm and his familiar phrase, “Happy Days!” He loved football, golf, music, festivals, family holidays and bringing people together for barbecues, good conversation and a glass or three of wine.

He could be opinionated, competitive and occasionally stubborn, but he was also open, generous, fiercely loyal and always ready to stand up for someone who needed him. Mark always had a story to tell, even if it took him ten minutes to tell one that might have taken someone else two.

How those stories, his laughter and his mischievous sense of humour are missed now. He lit up every room, loved putting the world to rights and was always the person you wanted on your side, or on your quiz team. Mark leaves an extraordinary legacy through his family, his friendships and the nursing profession he served with such dedication.

Although he will be deeply missed at so many future family moments, his love, wisdom and laughter will remain close. He will be remembered as a good human being, a compassionate nurse, a fantastic friend and, most importantly, a deeply loved husband and father.

Happy Days, Mark. Always loved, never forgotten.