FOND memories of a much-loved husband, father and detective have been shared following his death aged 54.

Described as a ‘huge character’ and a ‘fantastic cop’ Mark Cruise tragically passed away on Friday evening (January 14) having battled Motor Neurone Disease for the last three years.

The dedicated officer worked as a community cohesion chief in East Lancashire before transferring to Blackpool CID.

He was diagnosed with MND – a life-limiting, rapidly-progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord – in 2019.

Mark leaves behind his wife Laura, four children and an abundance of family and friends.

Posting on Cruiseys Journey (correct), a Facebook page set-up to keep people up-to-date with developments of Mark’s illness, Laura said: “As many of you are aware, Mark passed away on Friday evening.

“He was comfortable and at peace. I have read everyone’s kind words and tributes to him and they’re all so kind.

“Mark was a huge character and brought a lot to so many people’s lives, his illness and death is a tragedy.

“As his wife I can say the last 3 years have been tough, but we faced it together, it’s hard to imagine a life without Mark but he helped me to become the strong person I am today so I will go forward cherishing his memory, making him proud.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Stand down DS 2173.”

Scores of tributes have since been paid to the staunch Everton supporter, with many sharing memories of their time with Mark.

Retired chief superintendent Bob Eastwood, who used to be in charge of Lancashire Police’s East Division, said: “You would know if you had ever met Mark, such was the massive impact he would have on you.

“A fantastic cop who you would want to investigate an offence against your nearest and dearest and it didn’t stop there.

“He battled MND and many of us were lucky enough to spend time with him to see for ourselves that his bravery and fight for what is right continued, until he safely lost his battle yesterday.

“His sense of humour and ability to take the ‘you know what’ continued unabated.”

A year after Mark’s diagnosis, colleagues started fundraising in a bid to gather enough money to help pay for adaptations to his home.

Det Sgt Chris Williams was one of those, he completed a charity challenge which saw him run two kilometres a day for 300 days – raising more than £10,000 along the way.

Alisa Wilson also paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “Sleep peacefully DS Mark Cruise, fondly known to many as ‘Cruisey’.

“This cheeky Sergeant always made me smile & my Cruisey memories now will do the same.

Thoughts to Laura, his sons, family & friends at this heart-breaking time. MND is so very cruel.”