19 Dec 2024Mark Dale was a public contributor who worked with the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North Thames for a number of years, including with our Mental Health Research for All programme. We were very sad to hear that Mark died in October. We would like to share the impact that his work has made, and tributes to him from those that knew him.
About Mark
Mark was interested in research as the building blocks of health and social care. He enjoyed being part of this process, and having a voice in steering what research can do and develop. Mark had lived experience of mental ill health, which made him very passionate about patients' voices being heard. In 2022, Mark was awarded a Queens Platinum Champions award for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. He will be greatly missed.
Tributes to Mark from the ARC North Thames
Hannah Savage, Mental Health Research for All
“Mark was an extremely knowledgeable and experienced co-production advisor. He worked with one of our programme teams to design and deliver some of our training events, and was also an integral part of the organising committee for our Mental Health Research for All celebration event in September.
“Mark’s advice and direction was incredibly helpful and insightful. He was always thinking about the experiences of other people in the groups he was in. He was able to challenge us and our approaches, and to do so with kindness. He was a pleasure to work with and will be much missed.”
Fran Zanatta, Mental Health Research for All
"Mark played a central role in the MH-ALL programme’s shift from PPIE to co-production. Generous and caring, Mark supported the team in developing a new of working together across differences. Mark taught me to consider all experiences as transient and fluid. I am indebted to his expansive formulation of ‘living experience’ as opposed to the limited ‘lived experience’."
Will Lammons, Patient and Public Involvement Lead
"Mark Dale was a juggernaut of a public collaborator. In the purest terms, he was a tenacious and extremely energetic advocate for the democratisation of research and health services, mental health support, and LGBTQ+ folx. We connected through our shared lived and living experiences of mental health, and we often commented on how much we raised each other's spirits when seeing each other and talking at PPIE activities.
"Mark usually livened up passionate discussions and debates around research, mental health, inclusivity, and collaboration with lighthearted emojis, likening our work to being that of pirates, and offering insistent points based on his extensive work in public involvement and coproduction. He was a buddy and a compelling "critical friend" who taught me a lot about inclusivity, collaboration, equity, and support.
"I hadn't contemplated before what it would be like to lose a collaborator in such a sudden way. I hope to continue to do our relationship justice, and I wish Mark all the peace in the world. I pray that the gap created by his passing can be filled by the legacy of collaborators, friendships, and advocates, who will continue his work.
"I will miss you, buddy."
Jackie Hardy, Public Contributor
A poem tribute
"Mark the wise and wonderful expert by experiencing
Knowledgeable, campaigner and above all caring
Heart ❤️ so big and giving
Change maker for the good of others and giving a voice to so many that did not have one before and empowering them to have one in the future
Ally for so many
You lite up a room with your smile and amazing, awesome personality
Planet earth 🌏 is missing you and I am to.
You will never be forgotten as you left your mark and lasting legacy
Mark by name and mark you left on earth."
Raj Mehta, Public Contributor
"I am so sorry to hear very sad and shocking news of Mark Dale passing away. I first came to know him when Will and I set up the advisory panel for MH-All.
"Over the past several years we have worked with Mark, and we will always remember him for his amazing passion on user/carer voice in health, social care, and the importance of co-production.
"He was always quick in appreciating and acknowledging everyone’s contribution and mind set of constructive approach.
"It is hard to reconcile with ourselves and our lives and come to terms with the loss of a colleague and friend. God has given humans immense strength to face such eventualities in life.
"He will be missed by all the lives he touched."
Chris Elgin, Public Contributor
"Mark was a fine example of someone with that lived experience expertise. His passion for better mental health for all and his compassion for those who were struggling was always evident. Indeed, as I got to understand more about his pivotal role in his work, Mark’s gravitas grew in my estimation.
"He was a warrior for good and he will be missed.
"My sincerest condolences to his family & friends."
Nira Shah, Public Contributor
"Although I did not know Mark Dale, I am aggrieved by his passing. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and the colleagues who worked closely with Mark. May God rest his soul in eternal peace."
Rose-Marie McDonald, Public Contributor
"Condolences to family, friends and loved ones. Mark will be missed in work, at home and leisure. RIP."
Karl Leowe, Public Contributor
"May his soul Rest in Peace."
Nikhwat Marawat, Public Contributor
"Mark was a thoughtful, kind and truly valued member of our team.
"He carried himself with a sense of compassion, empathy and confidence that I respected and the entire mental health space is lesser for his passing.
"I will miss Mark and I know that the team and I will honour his legacy through our work.
"Rest in peace Mark, we will miss you. The work we now do will always honour your memory and it is in your name that we will do even more to change the sector for the better."
🙏🏾
Jason Grant-Rowles, Public Contributor
"Mark, such a vibrant, colourful, and passionate soul. Never afraid to use their voice to advocate for those experiencing disadvantage. Committed to being themselves which allowed others to step out from the shadows to follow in their footsteps. Even though you are gone, you will not be forgotten."