The Tragic Story of Mark Speight and Natasha Collins | Well, I Never
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- Mark Speight and Natasha Collins were two TV stars who seemingly had the world in the palm of their hands. Both had overcome setbacks in their lives and were now looking forward to a bright future together. Sadly, that future was tragically cut short when a series of events lead to Natasha losing her life, leaving Mark broken.
0:00 - Intro
0:51 - Mark's Early Life
02:02 - Presenting SMart
03:38 - Natasha Collins
05:27 - Natasha's Death
06:40 - Mark's spiral into depression and death
08:10 - Aftermath
If you're in a dark place, please talk to someone. If you can't talk to those around you, please consider these options.
www.samaritans.org
www.thecalmzone.net
www.findahelpline.com
Mark Speight was best known for presenting the CBBC art show 'SMart' alongside Jay Burridge, Zoe Ball and eventually Kirsten O'Brien.
"But the [conspiracy theories] are not worth mentioning here." AND mental health lines & sites to visit. You, sir, are an absolute gem and a credit to the genre. Thank you.
Honestly, I don’t think conspiracy theories are *ever* worth mentioning in serious videos.
Yes 🥹
I concur
Thank you.
I can understand one getting off the train because his/hers /etc twin soul life got snuffed (esp. untimely).
Thanks for giving the links to the samaritans and the other two hotlines.
I'm only alive still because of the london emergency services myself, and i can understand how one just can't go on... and how pissed off one can feel being brought back to life
BUT
I do not regret being saved from self-offing... an agonizing 3 years after botching my su!c!de i was pulled off my self despair pit and now...
now i live a love filled life even if the dark shadow of "Enough!" still haunts me sometimes.
❤ ❤️🩹🧷
@Yorkie8 There's some truth to that. I don't think there is a perfect way to address these things, though.
I always remember how I first learned to draw cartoon eyes by following Mark's instruction on the show. I went on to LOVE drawing purely because I felt so proud of what I could achieve, all thanks to his simple tip. Now, at 25, I have been commissioned to illustrate for personalised gifts and children's books, and I'm currently working on my own illustrated story series. Simple perhaps, but he had a big impact on my life from an early age. Thank you, Mark. Rest easy.
💜
Best to you for your bright future! 💓
Aww! That’s awesome and congratulations on your career.
That’s amazing xxx well done and thanks for sharing. He would of been happy to know this I’m sure.
@Scotty* Bucks thank you so much ❤️ I was so upset when I heard he'd passed away
Thank you so much for this
Mark was a friend of mine and I loved him. He was the most generous, caring, outrageously funny and lovely person.
His death was a result of the hounding of the press. They have blood on their hands.
Mark would never have harmed a fly.
I did a photoshoot with Mark and Tash a few months before this tragedy - nobody has ever seen the photos - they were never used.
I also designed the Speight of The Art logo for him for free to help him (I’m a graphic designer and photographer) because he was trying to make a little cash at his meet and greets because he was having severe money troubles. His father (I won’t say anything about him!!) was ‘looking after’ his finances. This artwork was then stolen (inbox me if you want the story).
Anyway. Mark was a fabulous guy, Tash was so sweet. They were perfect together.
Thank you again for the video.
This made me teary eyed.
Thank you for being such a great friend to Mark, whom I sure was very fond of you.
I cannot believe the press had something to do with his death. Of course, losing a loved one is unimaginable grief, I can understand how tough this was for him.
I agree, Mark was incredible - a role model, a huge inspiration to a lot of our lives.
He may be gone but he certainly isn't forgotten ❤️
@@markspeighttribute5509 a lovely reply. Thank you. The absolute truth is, Mark was (and in my heart always will be) that mate that always made you laugh.
He was outrageously silly and giving.
I miss him. X
@@ZosoHacker I bet he was, I can believe it.
I wish I could’ve got the opportunity to meet him and thank him for everything 🥺
Sending love ❤️
U r a great friend. 🙏🏻🥂
hello ,sorry for your loss even after all this time im sure it hurts ,would be interesting to know what he told the police that day for them to turn it on him and make him a suspect only to drop it ,im assuming he named the dealer but i doubt it will come out ,so sad.
Im 34 years old and I remember the joys of saturday morning tv waking up to scratchy and co and Mark and his cloud suit. May he rest in eternal peace.
Following mark as a child taught me to let go and enjoy colour when my art teacher said it (mixed media) wasn't art, thanks to him I'm now an artist. He lives on in others talents and creativity
I loved Mark Speight so much. I couldn't wait to watch SMart after school every week, I was so gutted when I found out about his death. The way he was treated when Natasha died was horrendous. He didn't deserve what he got. RIP Mark & Natasha. 🕊🤍🤍
I loved watching Mark on SMart, he was my favorite, I was so shocked to hear about what happened as a kid. I think about him now and then. R.I.P
Amen 🙏🙏🙏
Times were different then, but in some ways, the way people treat each other hasn’t softened in recent years at all.
As a 90s kid who loved all things artistic, Smart was a big part of my childhood (along with Art Attack) I was absolutely gutted to hear of his passing and the circumstances around it. This video was very respectfully done, thank you.
He was a junkie, a pathetic loser who couldn't handle his life. Have you ever experienced the tantrams of a paranoid cocaine user at work? Still, nobody here mentioning the terrible effects of recreational drug abuse as if it's just a normal thing everybody should accept as part of life.
@@powerplay8355 Yeah whatever. I've seen smackheads have their kids taken away from them and literally done anything for their next hit including robbing and stabbing, so nothing you say matters to me.
I'd been abroad and when I came Back to England I picked up a newspaper , on the front page was an article about his funeral , I was so shocked as I hadn't even heard he'd died , I live in Tettenhall where he's from , I found it all very upsetting , like a piece of my childhood innocence died with him.
@@powerplay8355 you seem like a really good guy. Try getting your self some empathy, and try finding your self. Your a bit rotten inside
@@powerplay8355 you could say similar about a shopaholic or scratchcard/gambling addict. I lived with an alcoholic who kept it hidden for our first few weeks.
ALL OF THEM are totally legal and two actively encouraged with advertising.
He had an addiction but considering that he would feel responsible for what happened with her, it was probably likely he put the whole weight of it on his shoulders.....
No parent should keep the spectre of death hidden from their children, no matter how young they are, especially when it comes for someone they look up to. They have a right to know, and are stronger than many give them credit for, so for some parents to complain when the news of Marks death was made known to their children is incredibly disappointing.
As someone who was a child who watched this being announced on smart, I'm glad they did announce it, as it was done very well, and was a great teaching tool for a topic that is not often talked about
I can see both sides but you make a great point
I lost my father very unexpectedly at 12… that was my first real encounter with death.
I’ve since made it my mission to normalise death in my household!
I agree with you.
I completely agree. over the last few years I have lost 3 family members and due to not being able to travel I had to watch their funerals online. my kids each time saw me upset and I fully explained to them why. kids are not stupid and if anything my kids helped me so much as they understood and hugged me and kept checking with me to make sure I was ok.
He was a huge influence to my little brother who has now won Awards for his technical painting and now my brothers little boy loves to paint. What a sad but awesome legacy he has left behind. Rest in peace Mark!
What a wonderful legacy ♥️
That's so awesome that Mark played a huge role in inspiring your little brother!
I was in a dark place once and called a help hotline. I was about 6 sentences in when the woman interrupted me to ask "are you suicidal or not?" I said no, but I really needed to talk to someone because I was horribly depressed and had lost the will to live but would not actively kill myself. She then berated me for wasting her time and informed me these hotlines we're only for suicidal people. She then said she had another call and it was probably from someone who "actually needed" her and she hung up on me. After that, I called another hotline. They refused to talk to me because I was in the wrong county and told me to call the number I had just called. Needless to say, I will not be making anymore phonecalls, no matter what.
I’m so sorry that happened to you.
That is horrible! What a terrible way to handle a call! Disgusting. You do not “help” anyone in that manner. Respect is called for, contact a trusted health professional, please. Do you have a close friend or family member?
Kandreas world,sorry that happened to you,they need to learn respect
That's dreadful. I'm not sure if you're in the UK or not but Samaritans run an email as well as a phone line which is helpful. If you're not in the UK you'd still be able to access that and they're very good at Samaritans.
Sorry you went through that... I phoned the hotline around the same time as you, I was lonely aswell. Talked to an old man, we talked about doctor who and other things. He said that he must go because we wasn't talking about suicide and that he hopes the best for me. Trust me there is better people out there.
I met Mark shortly before he passed away, he was doing a panto near me and I was one of the kids that got to go on stage and create a drawing with him (I still have it and treasure it) I got to meet him properly after the show finished and he was so lovely and kind and he gave me the drawing that we'd made on stage and signed it for me. Mark had a huge influence on me and my artistic expression growing up and I'm still filled with profound grief and sadness for the loss of Mark and Natasha and I'm sorry for the loss of these two beautiful souls for all of their family, friends and fans. I can only hope you're both at peace, together.
So refreshing to see a tragedy handled with respect and dignity.
As a 34 year old, I dont think I'll ever be over the passing of Mark 💔
What's your age got to do with it? 🤔
@@Sheriff_GrimLaw it was our generation
Me either :(
30 here and same 😔
Mark Speight was a legend. He was a huge part of my childhood and one of the reasons I’m now a professional artist.
Man this video hit me harder than I expected. thanks for this video, and your kind respectful words. It’s what he deserves.
Don't dilute the word, 'legend'.
An utter tragedy and proof that bad things can happen to good people. This video told the story with sensitivity and respect - thank you.
I have lost three friends to suicide and it is totally devastating. I just want to thank you for the added links at the end of your video. Bless you, and I hope that anyone watching this with thoughts of suicide is able to get in contact! Keep up the good work!
I applaud your refusal to entertain the rumors and risk sullying this man's reputation. I've never heard of him although I grew up in the 90s but in the US, but I wish I had. They both sound like they inspired thousands of youngsters. Peace be to them and their loved ones.
So do I. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I remember when this happened. My children were still young and we watched him on children's TV here in the UK... so so sad
I agree, wonderfully presented, and heartfelt ❤❤
He always seemed like a nice bloke, sometimes bad things happen to nice people. My kids loved him and his programs. Sad.
I was about to comment the same thing. I find it so irritating that some channels would rather focus on sensationalism than tragic reality. So nice that for once, a true-crime presenter just stuck to what matters.
I remember this when I was a teenager, it was very sad news. He was always one of the most talented, interesting and genuine personalities on TV growing up as a kid. RIP.
Agreed.
Conspiracy theories. "They’re not worth airing here." I really love that.
SMart was my childhood and I remember hearing of all that was going on with him with his fiancée's death and everything afterwards. When I heard he went missing I begged he would turn up alright. I was 17, at work, when I found out he had been found dead. I cried at work.
His work was and still is an inspiration for me to this day and he is part of the reason why I kept at this hobby of mine. What he went through is truly crushing. He is most certainly not forgotten :'(
I remember seeing Mark and Natasha at Lulworth Cove one time.
They were such a lovely couple and loved talking to all the kids who recognised him.
I was heartbroken when I heard about what happened to them.
i remember sitting in the living room watching CBBC when the headline dropped of mark's death in 2008 on newsround which took me by surprise and hit like a tonne of bricks, i was and still am i massive fan of his and he'll never be forgotten
I'm Aussie, never heard of them until now 💔 how heartbreaking for everyone including their fans.
I grew up watching Mark on Scratchy & Co. and SMart. A really talented man, the series of events at the end of his life were so so sad. ♥
Wow that is a literal flash back ... scratchy... SMart 😔☺️.
See it .. saw it... was I program they was on also.
So sad my friends
He was to children’s art programmes what Chris Packham was to children’s wildlife shows of the 1990’s. I absolutely loved watching Mark and was truly saddened by what happened to him and Natasha. Thank you so much for such thoughtful and compassionate content. I will be subscribing to your channel.
My husband met and worked with Mark , we had a young child at the time and Mark was lovely enough to sign a book for him.
Big Picture/Little Picture in Smarteenies on CBeebies was a huge favourite in our house,
Mark was every bit as lovely as we knew he would be.
So so sad when he died. May he RIP
What a touching and tastefully done video this was. It brought up a lot of old feelings. They both seemed such genuinely lovely people. Quite simply, I wish it had never happened. I wish Mark and Natasha were both still here, doing videos on UA-cam (or wherever) so I could show them to my children who would no doubt be as entertained by them as I was when I was their age.
I wholeheartedly agree - very tasteful, and the comment at the end about support services was gently done too.
When you said in the years since marks death conspiracy theories have surrounded the circumstances of marks death, I thought oh no here we go, I'm so glad you followed it up by saying they're not worth airing here a subtle way of saying do not entertain such nonsense not on my channel, just discovered your channel my friend an I'm really liking it... From further up north in Glasgow.
It’s a little known fact that the following high-profile names were all killed because they had knowledge of the child-raping ways of the BBC:
Jill Dando
Kristian Digby
Natasha Collins
Mark Speight
Kevin Greening
Paula Yates
Rik Mayall
Peaches Geldof
Well that's what someone said on a website anyway.🤔😮
@@Weird.Dreams 'It's a little known fact' 'well that's what someone said on a website anyway' 🤣🤔 brilliant. It's a 'fact' because someone said it online 🤦♂️ incredible.
Don't be so quick to dismiss these other theories. It is very possible there was foul play involved.
@@Weird.Dreams What a guy. I agree. I think it is very plausible they were bumped off. People are too quick to believe everything they are told by the mainstream media.
@@Weird.Dreams the only one I would agree that that is the case is Jill Dando. All the others highly unlikely
A very respectful and balanced account of what happened. This story is a reminder of the power of substance abuse.
i was really young when hearing about mark's death... through the tabloids (ew). i never got the full story up until now.
i vaguely remember seeing mark's tutorials on how to draw eyes, expressions, etc in his big industrial studio set. i wasn't very good at remembering names (bare in mind i was four/five at the time), so i just remembered mark as the friendly man with spikey blonde hair. his personality was so engaging to young audiences, and a charm that was universal.
thank you so much for the respect you've given while telling this story; we should remember mark and natasha for their work, the lives they've touched, and as unique people that can never be replicated.
How tragic that anyone feels the need to take their own life.
You can’t begin to imagine what goes through people’s heads
True, hard to imagine when life is so short and precious, had a mate who ended his life aged 36 because his evil ex stopped him from seeing his daughter on his birthday, have another mate who lost his son aged 16, he considered it shortly after but fortunately is still around, he said until you have been there you cant imagine what it's like.
As others have said this was respectfully done, thank you. Mark was one of my favourite presenters growing up, I remember when Kirsten made the announcement, it was such a sad moment.
I was in sixth form when he died and remember lots of people at school talking about how much they loved watching Smart and how he inspired them by making art look so fun. I very much like the intro as Speight's death was the first incident that made me realise that kids TV presenters are people too and they are, sadly, as easily capable of falling into dark times.
So sad, just shows you how mental health was treated even just a few years ago. A couple both truly troubled, but now reunited.
Rest in peace ❤️💙
Thank you for giving the helplines as well. ❤️💙
Sharon Legg- How was mental health issues treated just a few years ago? I’m sure you’re implying there’s not enough help, or some sort of stigma attached. Feelings aren’t facts. Back up your statement with proof. Sounds like everyone they spoke of in this video were loving kind & helpful. In the US all u have to do is make a phone call & help will come to you- insured or not. Programs & treatment centers, therapists are everywhere. And any kind pill u want is available. Facts
I admire the respect and brevity you made the focus of your story. Class act my friend. You deserve all the success you are receiving. Take care.
Wholeheartedly agree...a class act indeed. Well said 👏
Mark was my childhood hero this was sad but a loving tribute to a great man
I remember when this happened, this was the first time I ever encountered suicide, at 9 years old, and I was devastated as he was my favourite presenter on the show
Such a tragedy both had so much and seemed so happy 😢🥺
Sadly, Oliver Speight passed away last year - I checked in every so often on Speight of the Art as it was a local charity that'd occasionally come up on the radar.
Mark Speight personified the 90s arts-and-crafts era for me. He had such chemistry and energy with any other presenter he was put with, but the trio of Mark, Kirsten and Jay just made SMart what it was. For a wee Staffordshire lass, to see this fellow Midlandsy person being unashamedly wacky and creative, it was just a joy - but also, the sadness I felt when he was in the news following Natasha Collins's death (and then his own) was very personal considering I'd never met him. I wish I could have.
Thank you for the respectful video.
I already hit the subscribe button a few videos ago in this binge, and now I wish I could double-subscribe. Despite this factual presentation, the bits of your own feelings on the case that you've slipped in warmed my heart. Thank you for telling us this story.
I watched Mark as a child, along with Natasha, Kirsten and the others. I'm a budding artist to this day, and having moved to Australia in my childhood I wasn't aware this had happened. On my only return trip to the UK as an adult, I went to London for the first time on my way to Cornwall, and stood right outside the doors of Paddington that you showed in this clip to smoke a cigarette with my luggage... Not knowing one of my favourite childhood presenters had ended his life metres away from where I stood... This universe really is an intriguing one, I hope he found peace and found Natasha again ♡
I know what it's like to loose the love of your life in a sudden way. My boyfriend of 15yrs was killed in a hit & run accident. He proposed to me again 2 months before the accident & I finally said yes he was so happy. They still haven't found the pos who hit him & left him there dying on our road all alone like an animal. 2 of our best friends are getting married on Oct 9th & that'll be the happiest day of their lives but never in a million years did I think I'd be having to go to his funeral on July 9th. That will be one of the worst days of mine. I never knew pain like this existed or that you could miss someone so much it physically hurts. I broke down watching this but I break down everyday. Everyday is a struggle to get through. Thank God for my daughter I've never felt suicidal before until now. If it wasn't for her I don't think I would've made it this far. I hope they're together again in heaven. I have to believe that so I'll see my boyfriend again. RIH angel's❤❤
I'm so sorry for your loss god bless you he will always be in your heart 🙏♥️
Beyond sorry to hear of your grief. My cousin was also killed by a hit and run. Hope that you can find happiness in small things and continuous joy with your daughter.
Hey...so I lost my fiancé and best friend Lee in February of 2020. It was sudden and brutal. I honestly thought I'd never smile again. I honestly didn't think of survive it. But I did, and I'm even happy sometimes.
Nothing I say will make it any better, but I just wanted to tell you that your not alone. And your stronger than you think. I hope you have people around you, but of you don't, im here, and I'll always listen.
Miss you baby 🖤🖤
🙏
I lost my soulmate on my 21 birthday killed in front of me and their family by a drunk driver… I know exactly how that feels 🥺🥺🥺
Thank you, sir. Your compassion means more than you know.
Damn this video brought up a lot of feelings. I remember loving this guy as a kid, I was sad and confused when I found out he'd died. Seemed like a lot of grown up stuff I didn't understand and no one would really explain to me why bad things were happening. He was probably one of the reasons I went on to love art so much. I can't quite remember, but I remember his face and I feel like he had a big impact.
I just found your channel and I love it! You’re so easy to listen to. It’s smashing to find a fellow Brit to watch. It’s strangely comforting hearing your voice and seeing your kind face on UA-cam. 🥰
Same here - but, I'm american
This channel should have a million subscribers, it is awesome and the host has such a nice voice to listen to ❤️
I adore the host. His voice is fantastic.
I’m one of the young artists who grew up watching SmArt. Mark was always so full of energy, and lots of fun. I was a teenager when I heard about his death, and it was heartbreaking. Even more so because I was also in a very dark place at the time.
I feel so bad for the family and friends of Mark and Natasha, they shouldn’t have gone the way they did. Thank you for this video, and thank you also for making sure to include the helpline numbers. If anyone is feeling suicidal, PLEASE remember: you are loved and someone will be there to listen 💖
Rip mark you were a decent human being bro.
I remember very clearly when he went missing, and knowing what had happened to his partner, my heart sank, well before the news came in. He was a very memorable character from our childhood TV days, and was so clearly genuine and decent, it was very, very sad.
Thank you for not enumerating the conspiracy theories, sometimes it's neither needed or appropriate. This is one of those times. Good show, best of everything to you!!
I kindly thank you for not covering the same cases as many other channels. Another excellent video sir.
I love that!
I was not an 90s kid so was more of Tony Hart devotee and unfortunately did not know of Mark. I thank you for making this sad film with an honourable frame. I hope they found each other in the spirit world 💖
May Mark and Natasha rest in peace, it’s really sad what happened to them both, absolutely loved Mark growing up, may they both find peace in the afterlife
Thank you for covering this Mark was such a great artist not just a kids TV presenter but an accomplished artist. Such shame he went too soon
Thank you very much for this film. Very tastefully done. R.I.P Mark and Natasha.
I remember this when I was 9, I can't believe its been so long. Still very sad to think about.
I loved watching his programme,he was a great presenter.He brightened my childhood.
Drugs destroy alot of good people,they had each other and there shows and hobbies,2 more beautiful soles lost,RIP to both,😇🙏🙏🙏💙
This channel and Mr.Ballen should do some episodes together. They are both absolutely great talented story tellers.
Nah, Ballin just embellishes the shit out of stories. Look it up. This guy is true to the source material and completely unbiased. Ballin is a joke who like to hear himself talk.
I met Mark and Natasha on a cruise when I was little. Was so excited to potentially meet one of my heroes, but didn't want to bother him while he was on holiday. Regardless, he spotted me and my brother and could see how excited we were and he took the time to speak to us, take a photo and sign my sketchbook. They were both so lovely. I was absolutely heartbroken when I heard the news
I remember this guy. I didn't know he's story ended so sadly. He was great on screen, bright and vibrant. Such a shame what happened. RIP to the both of you.
so sad .. what a shame i think mark blamed himself for her death .. thabk you for sharing this as i always wondered what happened to mark as i.loved watching him as a kid doing arts n crafts . xx
It would be hard not to..... Survivor's guilt is so tough :^(
It was never his fault, but survivors guilt is a difficult and pervasive thing. It gnaws away at a person so cruelly. I just wish he could have seen it as the tragic accident it was.
This video unlocked a whole bunch of memories I hadn't thought about in years. I used to love Smart. Such a sad story
I forgot about this. You did a brilliant job telling a difficult and sad story. 💜
Quickly this has become one of my favourite channels. Your compassionate and well informed delivery is laudable.
Thank you for this extremely sensitive and well made short documentary into this lovely mans life.
Don't ever think you can't pull through. I've been there myself, there is help and things will get better.
This is the first video I've seen on this channel and I hugely appreciate the comment about not going into the conspiracy theories as they're not worth it. Good job man!
He was a bit after my time, but I remember him and the tragedy. Thank you very much for the respectful and compassionate way you did the video.
Thank you for handling this painful story with such sensitivity. As someone who has lost one person to suicide and loved another who tried it twice it's very good to see the lack of judgement and the kindness with which you handled the story.
thank you for presenting this in a beautiful way. i never watched the shows the pair were on, as i grew up in america, but i can tell they were wonderful people. i'm glad you didn't let the conspiracies and their occasional drug use have any impact on your storytelling, as i know a lot of people would think less of them for that. thank you💕 i found your channel recently and it's marvelous!
Once again a sensitively produced show. An interesting and tragic story. Very well done. Thank you 🕯️💜🙏
I am so glad I have stumbled across your channel. You are a wonderful storyteller and I have truly enjoyed each one of your videos!
Thanks for adding the helplines at the end.
Not enough people do that here on UA-cam.
That literally left me teary-eyed!
i lost my son age 39, through similar circumstances. break up drugs depression! he didn’t actually commit suicide, but in some ways. this is done so respectful. thank you.
Beautifully and respectfully delivered. So very tragic.
Really well put together video.
I grew up in that era and always changed the channel when any art programs came on tv
Wish I hadn’t now I’ve heard marks story.
Anyway really good video add one new sub
I applaud you for telling this story in the manner that you have and the way that it should have been so they both rest in peace
Life can be so ruthless sometimes. Thank you for this respectful video sir, you do good work.
This was beautifully done and I am so grateful you made this video. I remember this happening like it was yesterday, just so so sad. All the other UA-cam videos on Mark and Natasha are very old now and I really felt like these two tragic people had been forgotten about. Thank you and well done for making this video ❤
The loss of Mark and Natasha was heartbreaking. This is such a sensitively handled video, and the resources mentioned at the end reveal your empathic nature.
Such a sad story. How many people watching this have done the same thing...partied with little thought of the possible outcome beyond just having a good time. You take a risk every time you do drugs. No time to be judgemental, people make their own choices regardless of past experiences or risks. RIP
I was a big fan of Mark Speight, I remember how much fun he made art and he was a great art show presenter. I was so saddened and upset when I heard he had died. Thank you for an informative video focusing on him and not the stupid conspiracy theories!! A really great video befitting a larger than life presenter!!
Found your channel today, I love how respectful you are towards the victims.
I especially like that you don't pay any mind to the conspiracy theories, and instead choose to focus on the story and the facts.
I remember Mark so clearly - watching SMart is truly a core childhood memory of mine. I vaguely remember hearing about his death but I hadn’t realised how tragic the circumstances were. He has certainly touched many lives & left a wonderful legacy behind him ❤
Thank you for the sensitive way this was presented.
This is the first video of yours I’ve seen and it certainly won’t be the last. Your soothing voice, pacing and intonation washed over me in waves of warmth and comfort, and was a beautiful dedication to Mark and Natasha. Not from the UK, I wasn’t familiar with them or their story, but you so beautifully captured their youthful spirit and love for one another.
The worst thing adults can do when it comes to the topic of death with children is attempt to shield them from it, and assume they don’t understand or can’t cope. If it is forced to be unspoken, it develops a life of its own, and becomes something much greater to fear.
Only last night I was having dinner with family including an extremely bright 3 year old. They’re obsessed with dinosaurs and fossils currently. Somehow during dinner they brought up the topic of death and dying in relation to animals. We all took a quiet breath and leant into that moment.
Firstly we all said in a calm positive voice “yes, that does happen, you’re right”. One parent, a doctor, explained that the body doesn’t work anymore. Their other parent explained that once their body stops working we don’t see them anymore, but they become stars in the sky like Mufassa in the Lion King.
I said that it’s just like with the dinosaurs, and their bodies stopped working, so we don’t see dinosaurs anymore, only their bones and fossils.
It was a beautiful conversation and the child was extremely happy at the end of it and proud to have connected their knowledge of dinosaurs and fossils to the idea.
The sooner we can introduce children to life’s cycle, including the uncomfortable parts, in a safe and loving way, it means that when they are exposed to death (for most children their first experience with death will be with a pet) they won’t be suddenly needing to learn the concept. They already have those foundations and instead can be helped through their grief and allowed to feel and express their feelings surrounding their loss.
Finally, I want to applaud you on your ending piece regarding seeking help. It was the most supportive, non-judgemental, understanding, gentle and encouraging manner that I’ve ever heard, and I will be taking a lot away from how you expressed this. Thank you, a new subscriber.
Rest in all the colours Mark and Natasha.
Thank you!!! , What a lovely job , well done, will look out for more, 👍
Absolutely beautifully done, with dignity and respect to Mark & Natasha, May they rest easy ♥️
Thank you for your kind and humble presentation. And for maybe helping someone seek help
I watched him as a child, and used to draw along with him. he will be missed. I didn't even know until now and I'm 32.
So glad to come across your brilliant channel today. I really enjoy how you tell these stories with great tact and so tastefully, thank you for sharing!
I am an American so I never knew about these shows. I wish we had art lesson shows like this here too. My kids are adults now so things may have changed. But my point in writing is that my children's first real experience with death was when Steve Irwin died. They were so shocked. They knew of my family's losses from stories I told them but no one they knew had died in their short little lives yet, until Steve. They still refer to his death and how it affects the way they approach grief now. It was so terribly sad, but they learned healthy lessons about how to grieve and continue on without feeling inappropriate guilt for enjoying moments within their grief. Your show there did the right thing.
I remember his shows and this incident, so sad. Thankyou for a respectful & informative video.
Just brilliant. Thanks for this thoughtful and kind video. I am yet to see a better presenter of this type of work. Peace be unto you..
I so appreciate your calm yet compassionate demeanour in this article.
Thank you so much for putting the links up for people to might need help. Mental health is so important, you very well could be saving lives with those links.
Well done, you are amazing for not airing trash talk!! 👏
I absolutely loved Mark on sMart, he and Kirsten were a huge part of my childhood. This is a really sensitive and well done video