Regeneration chief’s social media showcase raises funds for charities
‘FORCE OF NATURE’: Mark Jones
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
A booklet compiled to showcase the passion of a regeneration champion for the city which he helped to transform has raised thousands of pounds in his memory for local charities.
A Celebration of Mark Jones’ Tweets was published by members of Hull City Council’s Youth Enterprise and Microbusiness team as a tribute to the director of regeneration, who died in September 2023.
They assembled a selection of his posts from years of celebrating the city on X, formerly known as Twitter, with comments and photographs highlighting some of its lesser-known attractions and quirky features that caught his eye.
With costs covered by The John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank and some of its young entrepreneurs, the book and associated fundraising efforts linked to its publication has now generated £2,800 which will be shared between the British Heart Foundation, Action for Ashley and Joy for Joel – two charities that support young people with Duchenne.
Mark was known as someone who worked tirelessly to drive economic opportunities for young people in Hull, particularly those from disadvantaged background. He was also a regular user of X/Twitter, posting images and messages from across the city – often taken during his lunchtime walks – and showing the importance of engaging with those who wanted to know more about the city he was proud to serve.
The project received the support of the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber Councillor Kalvin Neal, who said at the launch: “This booklet is a truly fitting memory to Mark Jones. He was committed to improving Hull for the people of Hull. Mark was also a frequent user of Twitter and some of his photos really were awe-inspiring and it’s fantastic that these are all in one place to be viewed over time.”
Members of the Youth Enterprise and Microbusiness team also paid tribute. Alex Costin, owner of Alex Costin Photography said: “As an avid user of Twitter, showcasing a year of Mark Jones’ tweets felt like a fitting tribute. The booklet presents Hull in all its glory and Mark’s dedication to Hull and its people, as well as all those who replied to his tweets is shown throughout.
“It was an absolute pleasure to gain such an intimate insight into his life through his lens and witty words and collate them in the book for everyone on and off Twitter to enjoy. Through this booklet, Mark’s legacy can live on and inspire others to be proud of Hull and all its quirks.”
Amanda Brockwell, owner of Amanda’s Blue Orchid - Corporate, Events & Funeral Floral Design, said: “I was thrilled to assist with the project in memory of Mark, who did so much for Young Entrepreneurs it’s only fitting to give time to the project in his memory.
“Along with the booklets and poem prints, we also made bookmarks, and lanterns to raise money for the charities. A popular item was flower seed packets themed on his artwork, with the running theme of Mark’s photography being Urban Colour. We also organised two Easter chocolate hamper raffles. They were very well supported by Hull City Council staff, for which we are very grateful."
Tony Robinson OBE, Hull-born microbusiness champion, said: “Mark was a force of nature and had Hull and the surrounding area in his DNA. I hope that the funds raised via the booklet and other fundraising activities, added to the new Test Market Grants for aspiring young entrepreneurs who have experienced the care system in Hull and the surrounding area, helps his legacy in Hull to live on.”