The family and friends and family of a man who died in a tragic motorbike accident have raised more than £40,000 in his memory.

Hackney Gazette: John Paul Clarke, who died three years ago aged 35.John Paul Clarke, who died three years ago aged 35. (Image: Nathalie Quinn)

John Paul Clarke was just 35 when he died on March 5, 2014, as he travelled to work along Northumberland Avenue in Westminster.

John Paul, who lived in Dalston Square, took up acting as a hobby shortly before his death, and had starred in a short film Salome – which was taken to the Sundance and Cannes film festivals. He had also won a medal for England in the two years since he started the Chinese martial art tai chi.

Following his death, his sister Nathalie Quinn has been mobilising those who loved him to raise money – through competing in the Hackney Half Marathon, jumping out of a plane, and – last weekend – taking part in the Tough Mudder 12-mile obstacle course.

She told the Gazette: “It was literally blood, sweat and tears.

“It took five hours and it’s all about team work and helping each other through it. That was very much John’s nature and way.

“He was a very, very special person, and its very raw still.

“He was just on his way to work in the morning – and you don’t expect to ever get that call, do you?

“He lived life to the full and had such a generous nature. He wasn’t afraid to try new things and to try and better himself.”

She explained: “We wanted to take that spirit and attitude and keep it alive, and to help other young people because not everyone has that opportunity to help them fulfil their potential.”

The £11,000 raised through the Tough Mudder will go to Depaul UK to help young people affected by homelessness. Well Street young people’s charity Hackney Quest, whose director Colette Allen was profiled in this week’s Gazette, has benefited from previous fundraising ventures.