Proud family man was happiest with family

The partner of a Mansfield man tragically killed in a motorcycle crash has described him as a proud family man.

Mark Christopher Buckley was on his way to work on his Yamaha 125 when he was involved in a collision with a taxi on Derby Road near Notts Golf Club on the morning of 30th March.

The father of two sons aged 14 and a daughter aged 5 was taken to King’s Mill Hospital and then transferred to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre, but died that afternoon.

Rachael Price (34), of Mansfield, said Mark was never happier than when spending time with his loved ones.

She added: “Mark’s family was the centre of his life and he was happiest when we were all together”.

Mark, an avid Mansfield Town supporter from the age of five, loved music, Elbow and the Foo Fighters in particular, and attended gigs whenever he could.

The ex-Brunts School pupil also played golf regularly and was passionate about real ale and whiskey.

Mark and Rachael attended school together from the age of nine - first at High Oakham Primary then onto Brunts Academy.

The pair first dated when they were 17 and for a while in their early 20s then met up again by chance aged 30 and remained a couple until his death.

During his school years Mark played for Mansfield youth football team the Dresden Colts and loved studying history.

After leaving school aged 16 Mark did various jobs before settling into a long-term position at Eddie Stobart, Annesley, aged 24.

Mark and Rachael enjoyed regular family holidays together, including a yearly trip to Center Parcs.

The keen sport fan also leaves behind his mother and father, sister and brother-in-law and extended family and friends.

The 35-year-old male driver of the blue Fiat Doblo taxi arrested in connection with the crash is on bail pending further enquiries.

If you saw the vehicles in the moments before the collision, or have any information, contact Detective Constable Helen Neaverson on 0115 9672225 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.