'Green army' in mourning for a great colleague

NORTH East Ambulance Service figures paid tribute to a “big, friendly giant” staff member who died in August at the age of 53.

- By SAM VOLPE

In a moving statement posted online following the funeral of much valued staff member Mark Henderson, friends and colleagues shared how much he would be missed.

The statement highlighted the “great sadness” felt within the “green army” at the news of Mark's death.

He had worked with the ambulance service for 26 years - at stations including Hawkey’s Lane in North Shields, Wideopen and Blucher - after previous careers as both a bus driver and a baggage handler.

The tribute read: “It is with great sadness that today we mark the passing of wonderful friend and colleague, Mark Henderson, who passed away last month.