A year after her son was killed in Afghanistan, Margaret Evison pays him tribute and describes the Mark Evison Foundation that she has set up to help young people achieve their aspirations.
A year ago, on 12 May 2009, many in Dulwich who knew him, and indeed the whole country were shocked to hear of the death of Lieutenant Mark Evison while serving in Afghanistan.
Mark was shot whilst trying to get his platoon to safety: he died four days later after being flown back to the UK. He was 26. The soldier who helped carry him to safety, Gunner Steven Gadsby, has recently been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his actions. Mark’s men all behaved exceptionally getting him back to safety: the hospital team at Bastion tried so hard to save him, giving him their own blood and platelets.
Mark and his sister Elizabeth
Mark lived in Dulwich and went to Dulwich College in 1995 from Dulwich College Prep School. He left after gaining 11 GCSEs in order to take up a music scholarship in ‘cello and piano at Charterhouse School in Surrey. As well as being a gifted musician he was also a talented sportsman and loved mountain biking, climbing, rugby, and hockey; those who knew him remember in particular the enthusiasm with which he approached all his interests, both inside and outside school.
Over 900 people attended his funeral at the Guards Chapel on 27 May, while the soldiers continued to fight in Afghanistan. There I described how his character showed from the beginning: despite early developmental difficulties and deafness for three years, he smiled throughout and tried hard, rarely complaining, never unhappy. He climbed the academic ladder slowly but steadily, and ultimately successfully.
Mark always loved mud and adventure, and was twice named ‘best cadet’ while at Dulwich College. He was an all-round sportsman, and completed the London Marathon in 3 hours 14 minutes just before his A levels: he was described by an army colleague as ‘the fittest man he knew’.
He loved person challenge, and in an attempt to become the youngest person to walk to the South Pole he trained for two weeks in Norway doing glacier training, living in sub-zero conditions in an igloo he had built himself: insufficient funding prevented him from realising this.
Mark is remembered with huge affection by all who knew him. Tributes to him from his friends and fellow soldiers were too numerous to reprint here. They include:
‘…brave and fearless in what he wanted, decent, warm, funny, talented, courageous’
‘…a great guy to be around’
‘…life enhancer’
‘…always happy and full of energy, with the ability to make you laugh until it hurt’
‘…always the life and soul, but one of the nicest guys you are likely to meet’.
‘His soldiers adored him and he was held in such high esteem by them’.
‘Sadly there are those who will have longer lives – but few who will have fuller ones.’
‘Lieutenant Mark evison was one of the finest young officers of his generation and a truly remarkable young man. He was a natural leader – tactically astute, clear-sighted and cool and decisive under pressure. His platoon gave him the affectionate nickname ‘007’ – a testament to their high regard for his capability, style and charisma’
He loved being with his men and cared for them at a deep level: they cared for him in return. They have described how he produced Squaddies got Talent with him ‘as’ Amanda Holden, in the Patrol Base in Helmand. His commanding officer said ‘they would have followed him anywhere. On top of this, Mark demonstrated great humility, modesty and innate decency in his dealings with others. He took great care to look out for the welfare of his soldiers and was ever generous and patient with those less able than himself’
A year ago the Secretary of State for Defence, John Hutton said: ‘This is a tragic loss not only for the Welsh Guards, but for the wider family of the Armed forces. Lt Mark Evison was an officer who demonstrated all the qualities of someone set for high things. His personality was loved by all who met him, and it is clear that his loyalty and dedication to his men, at home and in Afghanistan, was unshakeable. A talented all-rounder, Lt Evison brought much to Army life and his standards and approach are an example to all.’
Mark wrote a journal while serving in Afghanistan, which was published in the Daily Telegraph on July 14 2009. You can read it here.
Mark’s death has been very difficult for family, friends and all who knew him: he has left a hole in many lives. The support from the local community in Dulwich has been exceptional and humbling. His sister Elizabeth and some of his friends were with him in Selly Oak Hospital when the machines were switched off, one friend having come immediately from Hong Kong to be with him.
Many of these friends, with Elizabeth, are actively involved in the Mark Evison Foundation that has been set up since his death. This now provides funding for the physical, personal and mental development of young people aged 16-30 years: for more information go to the website.
If you are between 16 and 30 years old you can apply for funds to achieve your dreams. If you wish to support the Foundation by donating or fundraising please see the website, and cheques can be sent to Mark Evison Foundation, c/o 118 Court Lane, London SE21 7EA.
To find out about fundraising events and just keep in touch, you can join the Foundation’s Facebook page.
One Comment
Your article has told me much more about Mark and his achievements, Margaret – it has almost made me feel proud by proxy, because my Open Garden will help to fund the Mark Evison Foundation – a well chosen way of remembering him in a practical way that will do good to others. But nothing can make up for the devastating loss of such a very fine young man.