The family and friends of a well-known Ramsey man are trying to raise funds for a permanent memorial to him.

Mark Loades died in February after a battle with skin cancer, and his friends and family are now raising funds to install a memorial bench as a lasting tribute to him.

Mark, who would be turning 40 this year, was well-known in the community and was described as ‘a happy-go-lucky family man’ by loved ones.

The father-of-two helped out with the town’s annual Christmas light switch on and played an active role in a number of community events.

Mark’s dad, Anthony said: “He was a really special person. You’d walk along the high street and he would know everyone. He was just so happy go lucky, and would be up for helping anyone.

“We want this bench to be somewhere where his two children can go throughout their lives to remember their dad.

“It’s going to be on the green by the duck pond, which is where he would always take the girls. So it’s a special place for them.”

Plans for a memorial to Mark started after his close friends, Jodie Smee and Graham Davis, launched a crowdfunding page online, in order to gather support and raise funds. The target is £2,000 and the bench will be located near Church Green.

Jodie said: “Mark was a really special friend to me. He was so loved in the community and everyone knew who is because he helped so many people out.

“This bench will not only be a place where we as friends and family can go to think and remember Mark but a sign to show his children how amazing their dad was.

“He was on the Christmas light committee and lots of other community projects and would give his right arm to help people.”

Mark, a carpenter who worked with his father, fell ill last year, but didn’t tell many people.

Jodie said: “He wouldn’t have wanted to burden other people with how he was feeling, so didn’t tell many people that he was unwell.

“I’ve known him for 17 years and he has always tried to help people. We have been talking about a memorial bench for some time now, and we really want it to be special.

“Because he was a carpenter we wanted to make sure that the bench was unique to him. The Ramsey Men In Sheds group has offered to help make the bench along with Mark’s dad, which will be really nice.

“I know we are asking for a lot of money, but we want it to be special, especially as he was a big part of the community.

“Any leftover money with go to Mark’s two girls for when they are older.”

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/markloades.