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Support Mark Atkinson

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Thank you so much for your kind words, your likes, your shares, and your generous donations.  We will have an announcement before the end of the week, with the final results of our auction and GoFundMe campaign for Mark.


Mark Atkinson is a young automotive journalist who was diagnosed with Huntington’s at the age of 34. This debilitating disease causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington’s has a big impact on functional abilities and usually results in movement and psychiatric disorders.

As his condition worsens he is no longer able to provide for his family - his wife and seven-year-old autistic daughter.

During his brief career, Mark earned the respect of his fellow journalists and automobile manufacturers. These people and companies are coming to his aid during these tough times by donating items of interest to enthusiasts. These items are up for public auction via http://wesupportmark2016.eflea.ca .     

Virtually 100% of the proceeds will go to the Atkinson family. No management or other fees will be deducted. This is a volunteer effort – totally.


Mark was born in Scarborough Ontario and inherited his grandfather's passion for the automobile. One of his first jobs was as dealership courtesy shuttle driver. Mark attended university in New Brunswick, where his parents were born. He moved to Toronto in order to be closer to his parents, as his mother had cancer and it was progressing. He was accepted into the Centennial College Journalism program. Here, he met fellow journalisms student Rebecca. It was also where he first paired his love of his writing with his passion for cars. His first press car review was published in the Centennial College Courier newspaper. Mark had finally found a way to marry his two loves and his dream job was born.

Mark's first 'job' in the industry was at Inside Track Motorsports news, as an intern. He eventually worked his way up to editor. Over the years, Mark also worked for many other publications,  including those under the Formula umbrella - World of Wheels and Car Guide before eventually deciding to go out on his own and freelance, submitting articles to MSN and Autoguide to name a couple. 

Mark and Rebecca married in 2008, and had their first (and only child) Meredith in 2009. Both Rebecca and Mark were freelancing by this point many and decided in 2010 to make the move to New Brunswick, so their autistic daughter Meredith could grow up surrounded by cousins, aunts and uncles. Mark continued as a freelancer, traveling often, and getting his hands on as many press cars as he could, to write reviews, which was his absolute favourite part of his job. Following his diagnosis with Huntington's disease in 2015, Mark had to significantly slow down, and most recently stop, writing.

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Donations 

  • VDG - Vehicle Dynamics Group employees
    • $250
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer

WeSupport Mark
Organizer
North York, ON

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