Surprise convoy of Volkswagen campervans acts as final tribute to Gosport family man

Family and friends packed out Portchester Crematorium for the moving funeral of Volkswagen enthusiast Mark Cockram who fought a ‘brave’ battle with an asbestos-related cancer before passing away aged 58.

The painter and decorator died surrounded by family at his home in Tukes Avenue, Bridgemary, on February 2.

Despite being given less than a year to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2018, Mark carried on in his customary stoic fashion. He even managed to raise £2,800 for Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (HASAG) despite being unwell.

Speaking after the service, Mark’s wife Angie said: ‘It was a lovely service that couldn’t have gone better. We pulled it off for him.

‘He planned the service but didn’t know anything about the campervan convoy. It would have brought a tear to his eye to have been here today – it was very moving.

‘It was really nice to see so many campervan enthusiasts who didn’t even know Mark turn up for the funeral. There were people who gave up their day from places like Aldershot and Basingstoke.

‘It was also incredible to have staff from HASAG attend the funeral. We’re very grateful.’

Angie revealed Mark’s love affair with Volkswagen started around 20 years ago. She said: ‘He bought an old VW Beetle which he did up and took to car shows. It was his pride and joy, he was always out working on it.’

Daughter Jenna revealed she decided to drum up support from the Volkswagen community as a final tribute to her dad and poignant surprise prior to the service. ‘It was amazing to see so many campervans and Beetles,’ she said.

‘There were 37 in total that attended. They all hid down Osborne Crescent before doing a convoy through the crematorium.’

She added: ‘I wanted to do it because it was the last thing I could do for him.’

In keeping with the Volkswagen theme, there was a campervan hearse. Meanwhile, Angie, Jenna and Mark’s other daughter Deanne, along with Angie’s sister Tina, all appeared from a campervan in a colourful celebration of Mark’s life.

Flowers – including those adorned within a customary miniature campervan – were also beautifully showcased alongside a picture of Mark with his pride and joy Beetle, alongside heartfelt messages.

During the service Mark’s sister Rosie Clark – one of seven siblings to the popular father and grandfather – spoke of her brother’s ‘love for his family’ and someone who will be ‘loved and remembered by all who passed his path’.

Friend Alison Barnes added: ‘Mark was a family man who was quiet, hardworking and supportive and the epitome of a gentleman.’