Family and friends rally to raise funds in memory of ‘Bez’

Father-of-one, Mark ‘Bez’ Berry, died aged 45, while working in Scotland, in February.

The week before his death, Mark, of Loder Gardens, Broadwater, was diagnosed with angina but did not tell any of his relatives.

Following Mark’s death, his brother Darren, 43, from Reading, decided to take part in a 113 mile charity bike ride in aid of the BHF. Last Sunday, ten of Mark’s friends from around the country joined Darren on the ride, after seeing a link he posted on Mark’s Facebook page.

“I would like to say thank you to everybody who supported it,” said Darren. “It’s a tribute to Mark really that people want to give money.”

Darren said he was close to his brother and described Mark’s death as a ‘massive shock’.

“He was quite a quiet person and wouldn’t have wanted to worry anyone,” he said. “We all thought he was quite physically fit because he was a scaffolder. You don’t expect it.”

‘Bezzer’s Bikers’ set off from Twickenham in London at 7.20am where they were waved off by Mark and Darren’s brother Simon Berry, 47, and his daughter Georgia, 13. They arrived in Bath at 5pm where they were greeted by Mark’s mum Jan Berry, 65, and his son Sam, 22.

In preparation for the ride, Darren said he cycled 800 miles.

In addition to the money raised through the ride, Parkside Lodge care home – where Jan works, donated proceeds from a summer fete to the BHF.

In total, both events have raised £4,479.96

Jan, also of Loder Gardens, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. Everyone’s been so generous. It’s an unbelievable amount really.

“He (Mark) was generous, kind funny and would help any one. He was a wonderful son and brother.”

In his spare time, Mark raised money for a number of charities.

Darren said: “We said right from the start we couldn’t let his charity stuff disappear. We are going to continue doing stuff in Worthing for local charities.”

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/BezBerry/