I may have never met you - but your life and story has touched me nonetheless. Thank you for helping to build a world in which I feel safer to be me. You were, are and always will be loved, valued and looked up to for all you've done and been.

Only now have I been exposed to Mark's activities and I keep thinking about it. As a gay man, dealing with internal homophobia, realizing his charisma and his huge activity for real social change in difficult times, it is inspiring. I would ask for only one percent of his brave character. For me, he will always be a marker of true success and self-love. Can't believe he was only 26 years old and had already changed worlds. I will always remember you Mark

Just found out about my wee pal from many years ago up in port rush,we were both only 16years old.god bless. Daphne xx

Just found this page after hearing 'For a friend' in a pub in Dundee last night, rekindling memories of Mark and our time on the YCL General Council. Used to come down from Scotland and crash on his floor in Elephant & Castle.

20 years on you're still in in my thoughts daily, and I still miss your wicked humour, commitment and energy. You were a rare breed Mark, who packed enough in your all too brief time on this mortal coil for two lifetimes. It was an honour and a joy to have known you and stood with you in so many battles. To know you was to love you - I always will. All my love Lorraine

ust want to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Mark. he was so young to go but he is an angel now watching over you. R.I.P Mark good-night, god-bless. xxx

It's through individuals like you, and the strength you showed, that people like me have the freedom and rights today. Thanks for your energy and commitment.

Mark, you are an inspiration to us all. Thank you so very much for your service, passion and determination for a cause that has transpired globally. Your leadership has given me so much drive professionally and personally. Thank you mate! Nick, Australia.

Mark, I watched the movie 'Pride' today. What an amazing person you were. You did so much in your short young life. Sending you love and peace. A Mother from NZ

I saw the film, "Pride", and was so moved I wrote a poem: A PRAYER FOR MARK ASHTON Blessed be your courage. Holy was your struggle. In so short a life, to move mountains. In battles seen as lost, to move the world. May you rest. May you have good reward. Let us your life remember. Let us believe, brightly burn, do as much. John R. Townsend October 6, 2014 South Pasadena, California, U.S.A.

thoughts with you hun x

I'm on my way home from taking my students to see Pride. I grew up in Penrhiwceiber during the miners strike and my father was one of the striking men. I knew very little at the age of 8 about the circumstances of the day; but I know now and I would like to thank Mark and the LGSM for thinking of us and supporting us so that I now have a future and sufficient education to pass the messages to future generations. Xx

I just saw the film Pride and it brought back all my memories of Mark Ashton , his death left me with a deep sense of shock, the world has lost someone who gave so much in the fight against an uncaring system , the fight for LGBT rights has moved on since your death , and that is due to the work that you and others did in the 1980's . I only wish you were here to see the advances that have been made . sent by Gary Kelly

You have left a legacy for all LGB persons in the UK. Thank you.

I never knew you. Just watched the film Pride. You`ve kicked my arse, because your soul is still with us. Thanks Mark. x.

You were amazing . Feel proud dear Mark.x

When I was in Marks company, anything and everything seemed possible. Friend,comrade, inspiration, the sharpest wit, a thoroughly unique force of nature. I miss you.

I like to think that, given the trajectory of Mark's short life, had he lived we'd all be laughing and living in paradise by now. One of Mark's qualities was his ability to by 101% passionate about something yet simultaneously not take it, himself, you or me too seriously either. The older I get the more I realise how human and how common it is for us to live with paradox. Is that camp or what? Thank you Mark, you are still here, still loved xxx

Having just reread what I wrote about Mark almost 26 years ago, I am very moved and am determined to try to raise some more money fro THT in his memory. I still miss him very much.

Mark was a great friend and inspiring comrade.

I wrote the above piece about Mark's short but very full life and about his death. I would now like to add a personal note. He was much younger than me but I learned so much from him. I owe him a tremendous debt. It took me a very long time to get used to the fact that he was no longer around. I am told that I did not smile for three months after his death. He was a lovely man in so many ways.