Grieving daughter's lasting legacy 20 years after dad killed in Stockton attack

Amy Burns with nurses at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough
-Credit: (Image: Terry Blackburn)


A grieving daughter has created a lasting legacy to her dad 20 years after his tragic death.

Stockton's Mark Burns died in 2004 after being punched in the face outside a pub on Stockton High Street and hitting his head on the pavement. The 40-year-old's daughter, Amy, was just 13 at the time time and remembers the vital care her dad received from kind staff at James Cook University Hospital's intensive care unit in Middlesbrough.

Now 20 years later, Amy, who runs Niche Hairdressing, in Norton, has raised £7,726.76 for the ICU and recently met with nurses at an emotional cheque presentation. The 33-year-old has completed a host of fundraising events which took place from May to July.

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Her feats include a tandem sky dive from 10,000 feet. Other events include bike rides, a charity football match and raffles.

Amy believes her dad, who was described being passionate about football and 'one of the lads', would be proud of all of her hard work.

She said: "He'd be so proud [that] there's so many people involved in it all including his friends and family. Getting everyone together on the match day was nice, but it sad because he wasn't there as he'd have absolutely loved it."

Amy said her dad was placed on a life support machine after the attack but never recovered. "He was taken to hospital when he was found in the town unconscious," she explained. "He was put on a life support machine in ICU.

"At some point everyone is going to know someone who needs intensive care at some point in their lives. They were absolutely brilliant.

"When I handed the check in three of the nurses there were actually working when my dad was on the ward. It was lovely."

A charity bike ride
Amy completed a tandem skydive from 10,000 ft

Amy, who lives in Stockton, thanked everyone who has donated to the cause. She added: "I just want to thank everyone who has got involved even if they just bought a raffle ticket. I wouldn't have raised what I have if it hadn't have been for everybody else."

Mark's attacker, Steven White was jailed for five years in 2004. The then 24-year-old pleaded guilty to manslaughter but his sentence was later cut by a year on appeal.

Each year since Mark’s death, pals have teamed up for a charity football match, with proceeds to the James Cook University Hospital intensive care unit, where he was treated. Donations are still welcome at the hospital under Amy's name.

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