Memorial Bench To Remember Community Worker

Local News

A bench was officially unveiled in a ceremony at Swarcliffe Community Centre on 23rd March, by Cross Gates and Whinmoor Councillor Pauleen Grahame, accompanied by fellow ward member Cllr Peter Gruen, friends, family and former colleagues. They gathered to commemorate the life and community work of Mark Jones, a youth worker well known in the local community, who sadly passed away at age 49 on 29th March 2017.

The bench was funded by the Ward Members of the Outer East Community Committee, following requests from the family for a permanent memorial in the community to him.

His family said “Mark was known in the community for his array of volunteer work over the past 30 years. Whether it be children’s holiday playschemes, children’s residential experiences, youth work, community regeneration and fundraising for a variety of local projects etc. There was never a time when he wasn’t involved with his local community and was always at the front of the queue when someone needed help. Along with his long service with Leeds City Council helping and supporting many families across Leeds, Mark was also active with local churches and charities.”

Cllr Pauleen Grahame, who said a few words at the ceremony said “I am very pleased that we are able to fund this bench, as it has given Mark’s friends and family a place where they can come to remember him. It’s also very fitting that it is at Swarcliffe Community Centre, where Mark was well known for his work”

Rosie Jones, Mark’s sister in law added, “The family are very grateful to Leeds City Council for the bench – we were all very emotional at the unveiling! It’s even more poignant as it’s around the first anniversary of Mark’s death. We are so pleased to have somewhere that we can come to remember Mark.”

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