<div><strong>Keep The Belt Makers Going While Mark Fights Cancer</strong>
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<div>We are <strong>Mark and Marie Buckfield</strong>, trading as <strong>The Belt Makers</strong> in Exeter, Devon.
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<div>Since 2003, we’ve built our small workshop into a respected business known for crafting belts that truly stand the test of time. Many of our original customers now bring their children in for their first “grown-up” belt — something we’re deeply proud of.
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<div>Over the years, we’ve weathered COVID, Brexit, and financial crashes, always managing to keep our craft alive. Mark, a <strong>National Award-winning craftsman for Excellence of Craftsmanship</strong>, recognised by the Society of Master Saddlers , has poured his heart into this work and hopes to pass his skills on to others.
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<div><strong>A Sudden and Serious Challenge</strong>
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<div>Recently, Mark was diagnosed with <strong>two types of cancer</strong>.
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<div>A routine blood test revealed <strong>prostate cancer</strong>, serious enough to require complete removal. During pre-surgery scans, doctors also discovered a <strong>tumour in his right lung</strong>.
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<div>Because lung cancer progresses much faster, it must be treated first. Mark is scheduled for <strong>major surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on Friday, 12 November</strong>, followed by at least three months of recovery. Once he’s strong enough, he’ll undergo a <strong>second operation to remove the prostate</strong>, with another three months’ recovery ahead.
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<div><strong>How This Affects The Belt Makers</strong>
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<div>As the <strong>chief belt maker</strong>, Mark’s absence is a huge blow to our small team and our livelihood.
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<div>We’re raising funds to <strong>keep the workshop running</strong> during his treatment and recovery — to pay our trained staff, maintain stock, and continue fulfilling orders.
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<div>The cost of skilled labour has risen sharply in recent years, and it will take several of us to cover all that Mark usually does.
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<div>Marie will oversee production and uphold the high standards that have earned our belts their reputation — worn proudly in such renowned London areas as <strong>Savile Row, Jermyn Street, Knightsbridge, and Kensington</strong>.
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<div><strong>Our Goal</strong>
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<div>Our goal is simple:
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<div>To ensure there’s a thriving, fully functioning business for Mark to return to — and, if possible, to keep moving it forward in his absence.
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<div>Your support means we can pay our small team, keep making belts, and protect the future of a traditional craft that means the world to us.
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<div><strong>Learn More</strong>
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<div>For more about our business and craft, visit:
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<div><a href="https://www.thebeltmakers.com/about-tbm-and-friends/tbm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.thebeltmakers.com/about-tbm-and-friends/tbm/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.thebeltmakers.com/about-tbm-and-friends/tbm/</a></a>
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<div>Questions or messages of support are always welcome:
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<div><a href="https://www.thebeltmakers.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.thebeltmakers.com/contact/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.thebeltmakers.com/contact/</a></a>
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<div><strong>Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.</strong>
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<div><strong>Marie x</strong>
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Anonymous

bridget galway

Keep The Belt Makers Going While Mark Fights Cancer

Still £1,860 to go. Help us build momentum.