The sudden death of a community-spirited man who always 'put others before himself' has left a hole in the heart of Feltham.

The passing of Mark Savage, 56, of Carlton Avenue, Feltham came as a great shock to his family, friends and colleagues after he died of a ruptured aorta in the early hours of March 14.

His younger brother Matthew Savage, 55, also of Feltham, described his older sibling as a railway enthusiast and keen gardener who had “a strong sense of social justice and put others before himself.”

Matthew recalled the fun the pair would have on family holidays to seaside and abroad, thanks to their late father who worked for British Airways, and their times on the railway lines with their late grandfather.

“Myself and Mark drove a train when he was about nine-years-old, just a short distance, at the Strawberry Hill depot, with my grandfather.”

Born in Chiswick , his family moved to Feltham at an early age and so always considered himself a Feltham lad.

He went to Feltham Comprehensive School now Feltham Community College and after several jobs in the area gained a place at Cardiff University as a mature student gaining a BA (Hons) degree.

He moved to Sussex to work for the BBC but decided to return to the family home in Feltham.

Mark was actively involved with Christ Church in Feltham where he sat on various committees, was assistant secretary of Feltham History Group, and had just become secretary of the new Friends of Bridge House group

'He will be sorely missed at the church and wider community'

A keen radio enthusiast he was chairman of The British DX Club originally named The Twickenham DX Club, with friends all around the world and held a amateur radio licence.

On March 18, flowers were planted in Mark’s memory at the old horse trough on Feltham Green by Feltham West councillor Elizabeth Hughes and a group of friends.

In tribute to his friend Eddie Menday of Percival Road, Feltham, said: “I have known Mark since he returned to Feltham and found him to be a busy person always willing to serve on committees.

“We used to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat after Sunday morning services at Christ Church served cheerily by Mark who thought of this as a service to his fellow members.

“All seemed well when he was chatting to his friends following the service at Christ Church where he was a regular worshiper and official.

“I was most shocked to hear the news of his untimely passing. He will be sorely missed at the church and wider community.”

Mark is survived by brother Matthew and four cousins.

The funeral will be held at South West Middlesex Crematorium (Hanworth Crematorium) at 2pm on April 15, followed by a service of remembrance at Christ Church, Hanworth Road, Feltham at 3pm, and refreshments at Feltham Railway Club from 4pm to 6.30pm.

Family flowers only. Donations are to be made to Friends of Bridge House.