People from across the borough came out in force to show their support for the family and friends of Zdenek Makar, who died from head injuries on Thursday, September 22.
In a show of solidarity East Enders joined family, friends and colleagues for a memorial service, held inside St Mary and St Joseph RC Church, in Canton Street, Poplar, dedicated to the 31-year-old Czech national.
Speaking at Saturday’s service, Father Keith Stoakes said that Zdenek’s, affectionately called ‘Zed’ by those close to him, death had impacted upon the whole community.
“We gather as a community that has been affected by Zed’s death. Even those that didn’t know him have been affected by his death,” said Father Stoakes.
Zed’s sister, Adela Makar, fought back tears as she paid tribute to her younger brother.
“Look around, you can see and observe how many people knew Zed,” said Adela.
“He warmed us all with his smile, charisma and way of being. This shows us what kind of person he was and huge heart he has. He lived his life to the full everyday. We don’t need to tell you all what he was like because you all had the honour of knowing him.
“He was and always will be our legend. I thank you all for what you have done for him, we are so grateful that so many people were his friend.”
Messages of condolences were sent in from people across the capital, including the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and the bishop of Stepney.
“Tower Hamlets is a place that has always welcomed the rich tapestry of London’s diverse population – it is part of our DNA. Zdenek loved London, and it was his adopted home,” wrote Reverend Adrian Newman, the bishop of Stepney.
“This makes his death not just a personal tragedy for him and his family, but a profound sadness for our whole community.”
One Zed’s former colleagues at the catering firm Sodexo, Nikki Hyde, spoke of her appreciation for the cyclist that found him lying opposite All Saints station, in East India Dock Road, on the night he died.
“Please know it is with huge comfort to his family and friends that Zed wasn’t alone in his final moments. You’re heroism will stay with us,” said Nikki.
The memorial service came to a close with hundreds of people, including John Biggs the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, on their feet clapping and singing along to John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band’s give piece a chance in celebration of Zdenek’s life.
Raymond Sculley, 29, of Sherman House, in Aberfeldy Street, Poplar, has been charged in connection with the death of Zdenek Makar and will stand trial in March, next year.
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