The sisters of a Dundee taxi driver who died a year after he was attacked say their brother was “robbed of his life”.
Mark Ward was left needing 24-hour care after being brutally beaten by Steven Greig on Coupar Angus Road in Lochee in April 2022.
A court heard how the former NCR worker was attacked after refusing to give Greig a cigarette.
Greig pleaded guilty to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, permanent impairment and to the danger of life.
He was sentenced to five years and four months in jail in January.
Earlier this month, news emerged that former St John’s RC High School pupil Mark had died a year on from the incident, at the age of 55 – having spent months in hospital and then a care home.
Now Mark’s family have spoken to The Courier about the months that followed the attack, and his death, for the first time.
Sister Hilary Money, 60, said: “To see what’s happened over the last year to Mark has been heartbreaking.
“Mark was a very intelligent guy. To have such a demise of his life is tragic.
“The last year doesn’t feel like it’s been our life.
‘This robbed Mark of his life’
“Mark was a doting uncle who was incredibly hard-working. He did so much for our parents, Jack and Muriel.
“There is a feeling Mark has been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“As a family the whole thing has been a massive shock – from getting told in hospital that Mark would require 24/7 care to the significant impact it’s had on our parents.
“This robbed Mark of his life.”
Mark’s other sister, Jacqueline Laing, 57, says the Celtic fan had been planning a trip to Goa in India, using his NCR pension, before he was beaten.
She said: “The day Mark was attacked we got a call from the taxi company to say he’d been assaulted.
“I still remember the call from A&E explaining he was seriously injured and the next 72 hours would be crucial.
“The medical staff throughout all Mark’s care has been fantastic – they said the reason Mark survived was that his heart was strong.
Family’s ‘comfort’ after tragic year
“It feels very surreal knowing that Mark is gone.
“As a family there is some comfort knowing he is at peace now after what’s happened to him over the last year.
“Mark was an independent, fit and healthy guy and worked as a taxi driver throughout the pandemic.
“He was such a caring person and loved doing the school runs with the pupils at Kingspark School.”
Fundraiser in memory of Mark Ward by Dundee taxi firm
A JustGiving page has been set up in Mark’s memory by City Cabs, which has already raised more than £1,000.
The family say the kind messages and support have also been a comfort .
Hilary added: “Mark had a great and varied group of friends, he was such a popular guy.
“The messages of support have been a real comfort.
“We also can’t thank the police and the medical staff for their support and assistance throughout this.”
Mark is survived by his parents, Jack and Muriel.
He also had sisters Hilary and Jacqueline along with brothers-in-law Joe Money and the late Jim Laing.
He is also survived by nieces Jane, Jillian and Clara and great-niece Fenella.
