A MOTORCYCLIST who suffered serious injuries in a collision in Pentrefoelas last week has died, North Wales Police have said.

Mark Pell, 51, was one of two paramedics from the London Ambulance Service who were on a training course with the North Wales Police Driver Training Unit at the time of the collision, which happened on the A5 shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday, April 7.

The collision involved five vehicles - a HGV, a pick-up and three motorcycles.

Two motorcyclists were airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, while two individuals from the HGV were taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor by an ambulance.

One individual was later discharged from the hospital in Stoke.

Chief Superintendent Alex Goss of North Wales Police said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our Emergency Service colleagues, and our heartfelt sympathies go to Mr Pell’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.

“A full investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of this collision and we appeal to anybody who may have been travelling along the A5 shortly before 2:30pm on Thursday, 7 April, and who may have dash cam footage, to contact officers as soon as possible.”

London Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Daniel Elkeles, said: “It is with immense sadness that I announce the death of our colleague, Mark Pell, who passed away today (April 13) having been admitted to hospital following a road traffic accident whilst on a training course in North Wales.

“Mark was 51 years old and joined the London Ambulance Service in August 1994.

“Mark joined us as a Qualified Ambulance Person, a title I am told he was extremely proud of.

“He spent most of his career at Whipps Cross and Buckhurst Hill ambulance stations and, latterly, with the Motorcycle Response Unit (MRU). During the pandemic, Mark was a mentor with the Operational Placement Centre at Ilford.

“I understand Mark was often referred to by his colleagues as the “mother hen” – this was due to his desire to ensure everyone and everything was looked after.

“I hear it was not uncommon to see Mark three hours after his shift had ended; tidying up, restocking and generally ensuring the station had what it needed to run efficiently.

“Mark will be remembered for the absolute care and support that he offered to his colleagues, which was only surpassed by the care and compassion he gave to his patients.

“Mark undoubtedly exemplified everything that is great about the London Ambulance Service, and London and Londoners owe him a massive debt of gratitude for his 28 years of dedicated service.

“He will be greatly missed.

“My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mark’s father, Roger, mother, Marilyn, sister, Sarah, and partner, Sarah Jane at this extremely difficult time.

“I am also thinking of Mark’s wider family, friends and colleagues across the Service.

“We would ask that people continue to respect the privacy of Mark’s friends, family and loved ones at this time.”

Due to the involvement of the North Wales Police Driver Training Unit, and in line with normal procedures, the matter was referred to the IOPC (Independent Office of Police Conduct), who have determined that the investigation should be managed locally by North Wales Police.

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