More than £4,000 raised for family of Mark Fleming

Mark Fleming died aged 51 at the scene of a collision involving his motorbike and a silver Kia Rio in Whitehall Road, Drighlington just after 9am on Saturday.

Mark Fleming (Image: West Yorkshire Police) Mark's death has left a family devastated, with wife Jenny Fleming, and children Connor, Scarlett, and Ruby, asking for their privacy to be respected at this “desperately sad time”.

The tragic circumstances have also left the whole community in mourning, particularly at Drighlington ARLFC, where Mark was heavily involved and coached some of the young girls’ teams at the rugby club.

Scores of tributes have been left at the scene of the crash, near Whitehall Road's junction with New Lane, including a heartfelt message from Jenny.

Tributes at the scene of the crash in Whitehall Road, near its junction with New Lane, in Drighlington (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Susan Maynard, 37, from Morley, is a close friend of the Fleming family and said her “heart is breaking” for them.

She has set up a GoFundMe page to support Jenny and their three children as she feels “it’s our turn to take care of the family for him”.

At the time of writing, £4,455 of a £5,000 target had been raised.

Susan said: “This gent was by far the biggest part of our rugby community, and is a huge loss throughout.”

She added: “This guy had the biggest heart.

“He bled Drighlington Rugby and all three of his children continue to follow in his footsteps.

“Mark has been a huge part of Drig Rugby for many years – having played there himself from a young age to stepping up and coaching the younger generations.

“This guy has volunteered his time to support all ages at our rugby club and was always on the sideline cheering everyone on.

“When people couldn’t make gameday, he made sure you could watch,  live streaming the matches.”

Mark lining up for the Drighlington rugby team (one in from the left in the second row) (Image: UGC) Rugby was where the friendship formed, while Mark and Susan’s children go to school together and are “very close friends”.

Susan described Mark as being the “life and soul of the party”, made everyone laugh, had the “wildest dress sense”, and stuck by his favourite phrase, “build it and they will come”.

She said: “That he did.”

Susan added: “Outside of rugby Mark was so family-orientated.

“He looked after everyone, made sure you laughed when all you wanted to do was cry, encouraged you when you just wanted to quit.

“Got you home safe when you had had a few too many bevvies.

“Served his country in the armed forces.

“I guess what the above notes is that Mark did his bit to look after ‘the family’ and now it’s our turn to return the favour.”

His daughter’s rugby team are playing in a semi-final match on Saturday at Drighlington and the girls will pay tribute to Mark by having a two minute applause prior to kick-off.

Speaking on Mark, Susan said: “If you're going to leave behind a legacy, make an impact on the world that can never be erased.

“Be the person that makes everyone smile.”

West Yorkshire Police is continuing to investigate the crash.

The driver of the car involved in the collision was treated for minor injuries and later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers are appealing for witnesses as part of their enquiries.

Anyone who saw either vehicle just before the collision, or has information and or footage, is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote log number: 444 of September 28.

If you want to donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.