Tributes to tragic Staveley biker

Mark Raynor, 48, of Cordwell Close, Staveley, died after colliding with a car on Ringwood Road, Brimington, at around 4.40pm on Sunday.

His daughter, Rebecca Booth, 23, is due to give birth to Mark’s first grandchild in just nine weeks time and says she is ‘devastated’ at her loss.

She said: “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of people who have left messages on Facebook and flowers at the side of the road.

“Since I moved away I didn’t see him as often as I’d have liked but he was such a kind, loving man.”

“When I heard the news I just didn’t want it to be true. He was really looking forward to being a grandad but he did think he was too young.

“I went up to the site yesterday and saw all the tributes but there are so many more now.

“He was a great dad, he loved me loads and my cousins absolutely adored him.”

Rebecca, who was Mark’s only child, lives in London with her mum and is currently staying with her nan in Boythorpe.

She said her dad had been into cars and bikes since she was little and that he owned 14 bikes at the time of his death.

Members of the motorcycling community have organised a special ride in tribute to Mark, which will take place this Sunday.

Organiser Sarah Smith, of Mastin Moor, said: “Mark had an enormous number of friends both in and outside of the car and bike community.

“It always feels like a death in the family when a biker dies, but when you know someone well it is so much worse.

“On Facebook since the crash it has been friend request after friend request so something so tragic has actually ended up bringing people together.

“Sunday will hopefully be an opportunity for people to get together to talk about him and to share stories.”

The convoy will meet at the All Inn on Lowgates from 11am - the pub having kindly said the motorcyclists can assemble in their car park - before travelling past the scene of the accident and on to Kostas cafe in Matlock Bath.

In the days since the tragedy, Facebook has been awash with tributes to Mark.

David Osterfield wrote: “RIP dude. You will stay in my thoughts for the rest of my life. That wave and nod you gave me seconds before this tragedy will stay with me for life. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”

And Dawn Lizzie Baker wrote: “One of the funniest lovable rogues I’ve met. I was so glad to have known him and got to spend some great times with him also. Miss you Mark and my heart goes out to your family and daughter. RIP babe.”

Mark’s employers at housing company The Guinness Partnership have also paid tribute.

Paul Roberts, executive director of property services, said: “We are extremely saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. He worked for Guinness Property for more than nine years as part of the repairs team based in Chesterfield.

“He always put a smile on people’s faces, often organising social events for the team where he’d be the life and soul of the party.

“He was a genuine, motivated, hardworking individual who was always ready to take on new challenges.

“He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with Mark’s loved ones at this difficult time.”