FAMILY are in mourning after a disabled man died just a month after his devoted mother.

Jeremy Park, who had cerebral palsy, was left devastated at the death of his mum, Marjorie Park, at the age of 100 on February 4. She had been his carer all his life and the pair were described as “inseparable”.

Jeremy died just 29 days later on March 5, aged 69.

Mr Park’s brother-in-law, Martin Woodhead, said: “We treasured Jeremy and he and his mum were inseparable.

“He was very sad to lose her. It was always said when one of them goes, the other would follow soon after – and that is unfortunately what happened.”

Mr Woodhead paid tribute to the “marvellous” carers from the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, who helped look after Jeremy.

Mr Park was born in Keighley and grew up locally with his sister, Judith. He became involved with the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (K&WVR) when he was in his early 20s.

Despite his disability, the former View Road resident was able to work on the line as a ticket collector until 1994.

Mr Woodhead said: “He was passionate about steam trains, and Black Five locomotives in particular.

“For 25 years, Jeremy was a fixture at the Haworth Station ticket hall, proud to be wearing a K&WVR uniform in his role as a ticket inspector.

“Being disabled from birth meant he could never fulfil his dream to work as driver or fireman, but he loved being a member of the K&WVR team, the camaraderie and unrepeatable footplate jokes!

“Jeremy arrived home each evening full of stories about footplate rides on the last train back to Keighley, and about calling in at Roz’s café for a well-earned egg and chips tea.”

Mr Woodhead added: “He had hundreds of steam railway books and we are giving these to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway library.

“He was a reserved man, but he had a courteousness about him. For example, if the doctor was leaving our house, he’d always want to shake his hand.”

Mr Park and his mother had moved to live closer to their family in Bedford, but continued to enjoy trips to the nearby Nene Valley and Quainton railways.

In accordance with their wishes, their ashes are to be returned to their home county of Yorkshire.

A memorial train carrying a wreath to commemorate Mr Park’s life will operate on the K&WVR on April 2.

Railway spokesman, Jim Shipley, said: “As Jeremy’s mobility got worse, one of the jobs he used to do was ticket checking on the door at Haworth Station.

“But he was also there as a friendly face and to answer people’s questions. He really enjoyed what he did.

“Despite his condition, he got on with his life and was a lesson to all of us. He was a great character.”