30 November 2020

A tribute to Mark Crehan

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Mark Crehan a staff member from Taylor Ward in St Helens passed away suddenly on 13 November.

Angela Roberts, Ward Manager for Taylor Ward, shared this message about Mark:

“Mark started with the Trust in 2009 working on Taylor Ward (male acute) at Peasley Cross Hope and Recovery Centre in St Helens and over time has worked in a number of wards all over the Trust.

Mark was absolutely made for his role and often spoke about how much he loved his job. He was respected by everyone he came into contact with.

While working on the ward Mark demonstrated empathy and showed unconditional positive regard for everyone he met. This allowed him to quickly develop therapeutic relationships with the patients, spending time with them listening effectively and supporting them in their recovery. From a helping hand to a reassuring smile, nothing was ever too much trouble. Mark was known to frequently go above and beyond for those he cared for.

This was the exactly same for his colleagues, Mark was reliable, caring, and always ready to help and support his team mates. Mark knew his role and constantly looked at ways to develop himself further, always demonstrating a wealth of knowledge that he would share with his team. Mark had the skill of making people feel at ease and fully supported knowing that he was by their side, and was more like a good friend than just a colleague.

Anyone who knew Mark understood that alongside of all his genuine traits, he had the most mischievous sense of humour and would take any opportunity to demonstrate this where possible.

Mark would make everyone smile daily which as a team we all feel was his greatest gift and he lived by the quote “a day without laughter is a day wasted”. Even on the hardest of days or most stressful of times, Mark would pull the team together. He called us his work family and made everything seem possible.

Mark often spoke very proudly about his two teenage boys Brandon and Tyler and loved being a father. He would often joke about how tall they are now and how they tower over him. He also loved the outdoors and the Lake District, where he would go for breaks away and is known for climbing a mountain or two.

We will all miss Mark. Taylor Ward has lost a loved and respected team mate and friend. We have all been touched by Mark in different ways and grateful to have known him.”

We would like to express our gratitude to Mark for all he did for our patients to support them with their recovery. Our thoughts are with Mark's family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.

A book of remembrance is being developed to share messages and memories of Mark. If you would like to contribute, please send your message to angela.roberts3@nwbh.nhs.uk

If you are impacted by this news, please take advantage of the support available through our Occupational Health Team (occhealth@nwbh.nhs.uk / 01925 664010) and our staff wellbeing hub.