Mark was born in 1975 and educated in Hertfordshire before enrolling as a student at Nottingham University. From a young age he showed a great zest for life. Mark was an all-rounder with interests in many fields. He was an optimist, inquisitive by nature, hard-working and conscientious. He leaned towards languages and business, and was financially savvy.
He was sporty, with an interest in a diverse range of activities, playing competitively and watching as a spectator. Undoubtedly his greatest passion was football and he was devoted to Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he was also good at golf, cricket, athletics and tennis.
He was musical, and enjoyed playing the clarinet. He liked to travel. Mark’s sense of humour, in particular his own brand of dry wit, brought a smile to everyone’s face, and he had a gift for connecting with everyone he met. He was often perceived to be of a quiet disposition but his vibrant character came across in different situations and none more so than when putting pen to paper, keeping in touch with friends.
Mark was compassionate and recognised that many did not share the opportunities he was fortunate to experience. “He was always very supportive of people with problems both at school and university and always said how lucky he was because there were so many disadvantaged people out there who didn’t have the advantages he had.”
He died tragically young. At the age of 23, Mark had just graduated with a degree in Management and French. He was among eight Westerners – four of whom were British tourists – killed by armed Hutu rebels from Rwanda after being seized in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park. He had been on holiday before returning home to start his first permanent job.
The inspriation for the Fund comes more from who Mark was, rather than the specifics of what he did. We wanted it to reflect Mark’s character and outlook. It is one way of ensuring his spirit lives on in the hearts of others.
