Family and friends of Marc Mercer joined forces to complete a 22 mile sponsored walk in his memory after he tragically passed away in May 2022. In 1996, when he was just 21, Marc suffered a life changing brain injury which left him in a coma for six months. A year after the accident, Marc began attending The Bayview Centre in Bangor and continued to do so once a week until he passed away.
The Bayview Centre is an adult day centre which provides therapeutic activities in all areas of care. Marc is fondly remembered by all staff at the day centre for his positive outlook on life and his love for the day centre’s garden, where he enjoyed playing practical jokes on the staff, such as soaking the carers with the hose whilst gardening.
Marc’s family are overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the public after they raised an incredible £2255 in aid of The Friends of Bayview Charity.
Marc’s family also hope to continue his legacy at The Bayview Centre by donating a memorial bench which will be placed in his much loved garden.
Marc’s sister Lindsay Ambrose organised the sponsored walk which took place on the 17th August. Marc’s friends and family started their emotional walk at the Bayview Centre, journeying to Holywood and then back to the Marc’s beloved Bayview Centre again, a place close to the family’s heart.
When asked about the sponsored walk, Lindsay said, “We just want people to remember Marc’s name here as it was the place where he received so much support from both carers and other service users. He really was a member of the Bayview family here. We feel that we have done something positive in light of such a very sad situation. We just loved him so much and miss him every day.”
The money raised for The Friends of Bayview Charity will be used to provide resources for the service users who so enjoy using the facilities there.
When asked what the donation means to the day centre, manager, Lynn McQuillan said, “Marc was a big part of the Bayview community and loved the garden so we are planning to purchase some new garden furniture. We also plan to use some of the funds to pay for outings for our service users, which we try to facilitate as much as possible. This donation means that everyone will be able to get involved in all our activities.”
The Mercer family marked this incredible achievement with a lunch on the 1st September at the Bayview Centre, where they shared wonderful memories about Marc and all he achieved during his 25 years there. The family then presented the cheque which was gratefully received by Lynn on behalf of the treasurer of The Friends of Bayview Charity.