Friends carry on Mark’s charity work

FRIENDS of a young fundraiser have vowed to complete a charity challenge for him after he was killed in a motorbike crash.

Mark “Sparky” Mackenzie, 26, died after the motorbike he was riding collided with a tractor earlier this week.

He was one of three members of Team Peaked, who aimed to raise funds for the Citadel Youth Centre in Leith by completing the Tough Mudder, an obstacle course designed by British special forces, and by undergoing a sponsored wax.

Mark’s mother, Edna Mackenzie, 53, said today: “He wanted to put everything into fundraising, I was just so proud of him.

“When the police came and told me what had happened I couldn’t believe them, I thought it must have been someone else on his bike.

“I helped him get into his leathers that morning.”

Mark, a former pupil of Leith Academy, had been helping Edna run The Pillars House B&B.

“I have been getting so many messages from his friends, I just never realised how loved he was,” said Edna.

“I’ve lost not just a son but a friend.”

Mark is survived by his father, Forbes, brother Craig, stepbrothers Michael and Colin and two stepsisters, Angela and Lisa.

Edna has called for people to support Mark’s efforts to raise money for the Citadel.

“Mark used to go to the Citadel when he was a wee boy, he really wanted to something for Leith, something worthwhile.

“I would like to say to people, please don’t buy me flowers, instead sponsor Mark and help make his achievement, because that’s what he wanted.”

Paul Glass has pledged to take his place on the Tough Mudder, while Chris Davidson is to be joined by Mark’s older brother Craig for the back wax.

James Taylor, who alongside Reza Karami is one of the original members of Team Peaked, said: “Everything we had planned is still going ahead – Sparky will be there with us.”

To donate to Team Peaked, visit www.justgiving.com/TeamPeaked.

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