Family of Wigan dad who died weeks after son's birth launch memorial fund
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Mark Hill died after getting into difficulty at Amberswood Lake in Hindley, on the afternoon of July 18.
A major search operation was launched but his body was later pulled from the water.
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Hide AdMark, described as an "amazing father", is survived by his fiancé Lisa Veasey and his baby son Corey, who was born in April. Corey was described by his family as "a miracle baby". The couple had tried IVF several times, unsuccessfully, but were delighted to naturally conceive Corey this year.
Sadly, Corey will grow up without knowing his dad, but Mark's family are now determined to make sure he is always remembered, and have launched a fund-raiser for a memorial bench and plaque to be installed at the lake where he died.
The fund-raising page, written from the perspective of baby Corey, tells the heartwarming story of his birth, and the relationship between his parents, before going on to explain the tragic events of Mark's death.
"He was 40... I was 3 months old. Just a tiny baby, all I wanted was one last cuddle from him. I didn't get it", one heartbreaking paragraph says.
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Hide AdIt goes on: "We are trying to raise funds to buy land and place a memorial bench and plaque at the lake, where we can all go and sit to remember him.
"We all have a piece of our hearts that has been ripped away, never to be healed again. We miss him so much, he was so loved."
Mark's family aim to raise around £2,000, with any money left over being donated to a drowning prevention charity.
40-year-old Mark lived in Hindley, but was born in Wigan and grew up in Beech Hill.
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Hide AdA groundworker for four years and also a landscaper, Mark spent some of his life living in Wales - where he started canoeing - for a number of years, before moving back to Wigan and settling in Hindley.
Mark also leaves behind two other brothers, Andrew and Aaron, and sisters, Kelly, Sheila, Stacey and Hannah. He also had a number of nieces and nephews.
Hannah said the family had been left 'heartbroken' by the death of Mark, who she described as a "gentleman."
She said: "We can't get our head round it.
"We was a good man and so kind, a real gentleman who would do anything for anybody.
She added: "He was also an amazing father who doted on Corey."
Donations to the Go Fund Me page can be made here.