Fellow butcher rallies round after death of Mark

TRIBUTES TO 'GENUINE AND LOVELY GUY' WHO RAN SHOP FOR 21 YEARS

- WILLIAM TELFORD

A PLYMOUTH businessman has stepped in to safeguard Christmas dinners for locals, after the unexpected death of a city butcher.

Dad-of-three Mark Humphries died of a heart attack at the tragically early age of 59, leaving his partner “heartbroken” and fellow butchers “broken”.

Sarah Clark, who had been in a relationship with Mark for 21 years, described her soulmate as “a genuine and lovely guy”.

The father and grandfather had run Hyde Park’s Voisins high-class butchers and poulterers business since buying it from the founder 27 years ago, and was respected throughout the city, but his sudden passing, on November 27, left about 150 orders unfilled.

Now Mike Hosking, of Allisons Butchers in Elburton, has stepped in to do his best to ensure Christmas is not cancelled. He has tried to contact as many Voisins customers as possible, in addition to dealing with 350 orders at his shop, and wants anyone who has not contacted him yet to get in touch on 0737 953 2248.

“If people can be patient with us, please,” said Mike. “We want everyone to enjoy Christmas so, if you have not yet contacted us, please do, or come and see us.”