Fatal Ladder Fall Still Remembered

Pictured at the Graham Clark charity match are friends Stephen Kirkup, left, and Aaron Hall, his children Mason and Rhianna and dad Michael, back. 

Football match held in memory of tragic window cleaner who died after falling from ladders: A South Tyneside father who fell to his death from a ladder has been remembered through a football match in his memory. Graham Clark was 21 years old when his parents Elaine and Michael had to make the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life-support machine.

The window cleaner, from Tyne Dock, had spent almost a week hooked up to the machine after he fell 15ft from ladders while cleaning windows at a home in Laygate, South Shields. He had been due to become a father for a second time when he died on June 4, 2008.

Still grieving for the loss of their friend, a football tournament was organised in his memory by pals for the first time two years ago. This year, teams playing for the Graham Clark Memorial Trophy also raised over £600 for his two children, Mason and Rhianna, now aged eight and seven.

Mason was only six months old when his dad died. Graham did not get the chance to meet his daughter. This year the memorial contest was won by Buzzers FC, who beat eight teams to lift the trophy.

The event was organised by friends Stephen Kirkup, Aaron Hall, Graham’s brother Christopher and his dad Michael. Mum Elaine said: “This is the second year they’ve done this and I’m just over the moon they are helping to keep my son’s memory alive in this way.

“I feel so proud that people have taken time to organise the tournament and take part in something in memory of my son. “His two children always ask about their dad and it’s heartbreaking when they keep asking for him. “It’s really nice what his friends are doing, not just in his memory, but also for his children.”

Graham’s family would like to thank Jason Meiers for allowing the teams to use the pitches at Chuter Ede Community Centre, and 
everyone who took part, in particular those who 
helped organise the tournament.

Window Cleaning In Newcastle More Dangerous Than Afghanistan

Cadets and reservists honoured for work: It's not being on the frontline of a war zone that worries Paul McKeown, but window cleaning on Tyneside. He was one of scores of volunteers honoured yesterday for their role in supporting the armed forces. Dozens of members of the Territorial Army, cadets and other reservists gathered to be recognised for the part they play in protecting the country. And despite operating in one of the most dangerous places in the world, Sapper McKeown said being on the lookout for suicide bombers and insurgents wasn’t half as dangerous as his civilian job on Tyneside.

The 47-year-old, from Newcastle, said: "I’m a window cleaner and about a year before I was posted to Afghanistan I had an accident at work which almost killed me. "I fell off my ladder and fractured my skull in five places, broke my ribs and had fractures to my arms and legs. They say Afghanistan is a dangerous place, but the closest I’ve come to death was on the streets of Newcastle." The grandfather-of-one spent seven months last year in the war- torn country operating in Kabul providing close protection work for high-ranking diplomatic figures.

He joined the TA three years ago but was a member of the regular Army between 1979 and 1993. He was among the volunteers honoured with certificates by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear Nigel Sherlock. They were recognised for their work during an hour-long presentation ceremony at the TA Centre in Heaton, Newcastle. It was a family affair for the Carrolls, as husband and wife Jospeh and Theresa Carroll from Newcastle picked up awards for their TA service. Joseph has served abroad while Theresa has been based back in the UK.

Corporal Paul Smith, from Low Teams, in Gateshead, was given a commendation for his services in Afghanistan. The soldier has been in the TA for 19 years, and recently spent six months in the war zone. He was responsible for ensuring supplies reached front-line troops. Cpl Smith, 39, said: "I was chuffed to get the award, very honoured. I love my job. There are dangers, but you get used to being places like that." Mr Sherlock said: "It has been a pleasure handing out the awards. All these people here give up their spare time to give something to the wider community."

See Clearlee

A WINDOW cleaning business is continuing to climb the ladder of success. Lee Stevanovic launched See Clearlee following a short stint in the Army. Mr Stevanovic, 34, of Hebburn, said: "After leaving the armed forces, I worked as a plasterer and also in local shops. "Then I decided to buy a small window cleaning round, and the business just took off from there. "Last year, Mr Stevanovic, who is married with two sons, invested £6,000 in See Clearlee, partly to keep up with recent health and safety regulations. "Because there are stricter rules about working at heights, more and more window cleaners are using new technology," he said. "I spent £2,000 on new reach and wash gear, which means I can clean windows up to a height of 30ft. "I have a tank in the van, with the filtered water being powered by a tiny pump. "I also spent £4,000 on a new van because I carry out jobs over quite a wide area, from Washington to Newcastle, plus South Tyneside. "Domestic window cleaning still accounts for most of the work by See Clearlee. "I can clean the windows of about 150 houses a week, and I have had some regular customers for years," said Mr Stevanovic. "People build up trust with someone who is consistent about window cleaning, and I like to maintain standards by wearing a uniform and looking the part. "Despite not receiving a single business grant, See Clearlee has continued to flourish in what can be a very competitive market.