I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Mark Hanson, a highly regarded PR professional and deputy managing director of Wolfstar Consultancy. We had exchanged emails recently as Mark had won a competition on my blog for a ticket to a social media event in London which was held on Monday and I was looking forward to meeting him there. He didn’t turn up, his name was left untouched on the table, and I assumed it was because of work.
Sadly, Mark, who had also been a key Labour social media advisor, suffered from depression and died on Wednesday aged only 36. I had asked readers to name their social media heroes, and Mark highlighted Antony Mayfield, (a great choice) describing him as “an absolute genius” who had inspired him five years ago.
PR Week reports on the tribute that has been paid to Mark from Wolfstar:
‘Mark was highly valued member of the Wolfstar Consultancy team, a truly professional and experienced public relations practitioner.
“His thinking contributed to the development of the public relations profession and he was a genuine pioneer in modernised media relations.
‘He is also well recognised for the enormous contribution he made to the Labour Party’s new media strategy. He will be sorely missed on both a professional and personal level by all at Wolfstar Consultancy and those that had the pleasure of working with him.
‘Mark had been depressed for a very long time and bravely battling against the illness. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.’
Former deputy prime minister John Prescott was among those paying tribute to Hanson.
Writing on his Twitter feed, Prescott said: ‘So sad to hear about Mark Hanson’s death. A great campaigner who inspired me and many others. Thank you comrade.’
His death is truly devastating. Figures show that depression affects most people in the 20-40 year age group. If only there could be a cure….
Yes I agree .. Way to young to die .. just like my sister was too.. ! She suffered for years with depression and maybe she had something else too .. we will never know.
So sad to hear of this mans death. RIP.
Yes, it’s truly heartbreaking, especially for the families and friends left behind who grieve and must wonder if they could have done anything more.
That is sad news.
yes way to young , depression is a terrible thing… especially when its so hard to help and understand 🙁
Iain Dale has paid tribute to Mark in his column in today’s Eastern Daily Press, saying that news of his death had “knocked the stuffing” out of him for the rest of the day.
He said: “I didn’t know Mark well, but he was one of those people who you feel enriched by knowing.
“He was an enthusiast. Someone who,although a staunch Labour supporter, would happily put aside his tribal allegiances and engage with those onthe other side of the political fence.
“I first knew Mark when he was a regular contributor to the internet TV station at 18 Doughty Street. He brought humour and insight into any discussion and I always looked forward to his appearnaces. He had a certain northern bluntness which translated well on TV and radio.
“He was the last person I’d have thought would suffer from depression, but it just shows, you never can tell. Mental illness is still a taboo subject. Those who suffer from it are often embarrassed to discuss it – even with close friends. It is a very lonely illness sometimes. I’ve never suffered from depression and often find it difficult to relate to those who do, or have. But I do know what a burden it can be.
“The burden was too much for Mark,something all those friends and family members he leaves behind will struggle to comprehend for a long time to come.
“Mark enriched the lives of all who knew him. To die at the terribly young age of 34 is nothing short of a tragedy. But it is a death which unites all his friends from left and right. It unites us in genuine grief.”
How very sad
There is a cure.
The Power of Now
A book by Ekhart Tolle. It works at least as well as medication for this terrible affliction.
RIP, Mark.
It’s always so sad when they go so young. That’s the thing about internet, sometimes, we still can’t see what’s really going on.