Template:Courier-OCT-25-7

MARK SUGDEN: 'HE MADE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE'

Tributes to Mark Sugden, a "passionate and determined campaigner for Claygate" and the village's representative on Surrey County Council, have come from many sources following his death in May after a period of illness.

Mark had served as a Claygate Parish Councillor for nine consecutive years and spent some of that time producing the Claygate Courier. He was first elected in 2013 and spent five years as Parish Council Chair, before being elected as Surrey County Councillor for Hinchley Wood, Claygate and Oxshott in 2021.

Mark served with distinction at county level on the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee, as well as being Vice Chair of the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee. He has been praised for his tireless work for the community and will be missed by many.

Originally from West Yorkshire, Mark moved to Claygate in 2007 after his career had taken him abroad. He dedicated much of his time to public service and among his many activities was involved with Claygate Village Association, the Friends of Capelfield Surgery, the Hub and supporting many more causes and organisations. Donna Holt, Parish Council Chair, refers to Mark's death as "tragic". Here's what others had to say:

• CLAYGATE VILLAGE ASSOCIATION: "All of us at the CVA are saddened by the passing of Mark Sugden, Mark was a Trustee of the CVA and in his very being captured the essence of the purpose of our charity: to bring together the people of our village and promote happiness. His focus on working for the common good, reaching out to all sectors of our community without prejudice, with warmth and compassion and humour, was an inspiration to us all. We will always remember Mark and commit to doing all we can to live up to the standards and values he set. His legacy is immense."
• CLAYGATE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY HUB: "Mark was the Hub's biggest champion right from the start. There would be no Hub without his guidance and advice. He championed, fought and supported us from day one. He was a force for good, striving to better this community at every turn, including through his illness. Some of our favourite memories of him include trying to teach him social media, a summer tea party for volunteers, the opening of the Hub kitchen and just his general happy nature. He will be deeply missed by us all."
• CLAYGATE GARDENING SOCIETY: "Mark was a Gardening Society committee member for many years. His input and advice were always helpful, insightful and often amusing. He was a keen gardener, his roses frequently winning prizes in the village Flower Show, and an active and enthusiastic member of pur Society."
• HARE AND HOUNDS: "We have lost a great friend, customer, supporter, confidante, helper and the kindest man you could ever meet. In 15 years we never saw Mark Sugden stop thinking or talking about how he could help our community, the wider community, even the world. He was involved voluntarily in so many virtuous ventures and gave 110 per cent to them all."
• LINDA WELLS, chair of Friends of Capelfield Surgery: "We were fortunate in having Mark in our community, a stalwart supporter of all local organisations who tirelessly worked for the benefit of Claygate in every way. He was a wonderful Chairman of Friends of Capelfield Surgery for all too short a time; a great listener who valued everyone equally and made our community a better place. He will be truly missed"
• PAUL DEACH, Deputy Cabinet Member to the Leader of Surrey County Council: "Despite his valiant and prolonged battle with illness, Mark remained an unwavering presence in our council, a testament to his deep commitment to his electorate. Whether attending meetings in person or joining us online when his health made physical presence impossible, his dedication never wavered. For many of us at Surrey County Council, Mark was more than just a colleague, he was an inspiration. His tireless work on behalf of his constituents, even in the face of significant personal challenges, set a standard for us all."
• SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL: "Mark was a staunch defender of the local green belt, working to ensure its preservation for future generations. His passing leaves an irreplaceable gap and is a tremendous loss to all who knew him."