Funeral of Sunderland Mark Herron told he will be 'cherished forever' as friends and family gather to say their last farewell

A photo display of the 53-year-old’s life, filled with images of him as a child up until recent times, drew sobs of sorrow and laughter as his loved ones gathered at Sunderland Crematorium today, Wednesday, March 18, for a celebration of his life.

Mark’s remains were found in the days after a garage fire in Tunstall Village Green on Tuesday, February 18, with investigations into the fire ongoing.

The service, led by funeral celebrant Graeme Flaxen, heard answers are still to be found about the tragedy, with Mark taken from his family too soon.

Mr Flaxen spoke of how Mark did well at school, including at Broadway Juniors, and had a particular talent for running and fixing bikes, as well as a passion for fishing.

He had worked as a truck driver and spent a time living in London before moving back to his home city.

The gathering heard he struggled with alcohol, but that he was a kind and funny person, with stories of his sense of humour recalled by his family.

Mr Flaxen said: “There was no nastiness or malice about Mark, in fact he was an entertainer.

“It’s still a difficult thing to accept we’ve lost him and I can definitely say that the world is a poorer place without Mark Herron.

“But to match the grief of losing him, we have the joy of having known and loved him.”

He also told the service they were bidding “a fond farewell to one of life’s characters”.

“Let’s remember Mark by going ahead by being more kind and loving” he added

“Remember Mark, you will be loved and cherished forever.”

Mark’s love of music was reflected in the service as he arrived at the crematorium by a horse-drawn carriage.

Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi and Dancing in the Sky by Dani and Lizzy were played, with Frank Sinatra’s My Way played at its close.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be gifted to the Basics homeless charity.

The service was organised by Daniel Ackerley of John Duckworth Funeral Directors.