Seven weeks from disease diagnosis to death, cancer spread 'like express train'

A YOUNG father died within seven weeks of being diagnosed with a one-in-a-million type of cancer after the disease spread through his body like an "express train".

Mark Wilson, from Oakwood, was apparently fit and healthy until doctors discovered he had an aggressive cancer of the adrenal gland.

When the extent of the 33-year-old's illness became apparent, his friends tried to arrange for him to meet his idols, the Liverpool football team, but he died before his dream could be achieved.

His 13-year-old son, Kyle, will now go in his place and Mark's ashes will be scattered at Liverpool's Anfield ground by his parents, Cynthia, 51, and Steve, 55.

Mrs Wilson said her son was only diagnosed with the cancer of the gland, which is near the kidney and produces hormones, after he suddenly started experiencing pain in his side.

The Da Vinci Community College science technician said: "He just woke up one morning and was in so much pain that we took him to hospital.

"The doctors ran a series of tests and found that Mark had a tumour on his adrenal gland. They then removed it but on September 16 he was told that he had adrenal cancer and that it had spread to his stomach and pelvis.

"It just went through his body like an express train, there was no stopping it."

Mark was battled with a type of terminal adrenal cancer that is so aggressive, only one in a million people a year are diagnosed with it.

On Thursday, as requested, his body will be carried into Markeaton Crematorium to the Liverpool football anthem You'll Never Walk Alone.

And the Robbie Williams hit, Angels, will be played at the end of the service. Mrs Wilson said her only son dealt with the disease with incredible dignity.

She said: "Along with Mark's best friend and Kyle's mum, Tracy, who Mark was good friends with despite separating years ago, we kept a bedside vigil until his death.

He was so brave and more concerned about what was going to happen to his dad and I than himself."

Former Henry Cavendish School pupil Mark was a keen footballer and played for a club in Chaddesden.

After leaving school he went to college and completed a building course before going on to specialise as a roofer and later working as a drain technician.

Mrs Wilson added: "He was a very popular lad and adored his son. He has done us proud over the years.

"The treatment that he received at Royal Derby Hospital was amazing and the Macmillan nurses that helped in during the last few weeks were remarkable.

"Mark had nothing but great praise for everyone that helped him, from the doctors down to the cleaning staff."

Mark's funeral will be held at Markeaton Crematorium on Thursday at 10.40am.

Click here to leave a tribute to Mark Wilson