1 week Ago By [email protected] (Katie Oborn)
A Plymouth Royal Marine has sadly died after a three year battle against bowel cancer. The local war hero, who completed operational tours of Afghanistan and Iraq, was just 45 when he passed away on December 17 2024. Mark Fricker had “tried everything” he could to combat the disease after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in January 2022.
His older brother Nigel Fricker, aged 48, described his late brother as an inspiration. When Mark was diagnosed, he wanted to raise more awareness around bowel cancer to encourage people to speak to health professionals and detect cancer early. The Royal Marine veteran first noticed abdominal cramps .
He was later diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in January 2022 - and was told that while it was treatable, it had spread. Speaking about his brother, Nigel said: “He was an inspiration, such a strong individual with so much determination - and he was a family man. I was there holding his hand when he took his last breath.
Everyday was a new hurdle for him, he took everything in his stride. “He’d tried lots of alternative therapies, oxygen therapy, intravenous (IV) vitamin C, various diets and numerous vitamins - and up till four months ago he was doing well. “He was still going to the gym, running and cold water swimming until recently.
My brother was very motivated physically and mentally. Even seven days before he was admitted to A & E he was trying to concoct a plan.” Mark sadly died at home on December 17 2024 after a three year battle against the disease.
The brave veteran, who served in several operations in the Middle East, will be deeply missed by his family and friends..
