TAXI drivers have united in tribute to a fun-loving cabbie who died suddenly aged 29.

Hackney carriage driver Marcus Lea, of Meeting Lane, Penketh, was looking forward to becoming a history teacher when he was struck down by pancreitis in July and died six weeks later.

The former Penketh High School pupil loved life on the road but was set to forsake the fares to head down to teacher training college in Worcester.

Friends, family and colleagues from the town's taxi trade were stunned but immediately vowed to honour his memory.

Dad Bill told the GUARDIAN: "People said to me at the funeral that they always looked forward to Marcus coming into work because he always had a beaming smile and never moaned or whinged."

Members of the Warrington Licensed Driver's Association were planning a celebration to mark their first anniversary but instead held a party to raise money for the intensive care unit at Warrington Hospital, where Marcus died.

The night, at Bank Quay Sports and Social Club, raised £750. Donations were made by Crown Cars and Co-Op Taxis so coupled with a cash drive by friends and family, the intensive care department will benefit to the tune of £1,900.

Affectionately known as Sparky, Marcus enjoyed fishing and birdwatching and played the guitar.

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