‘They let us down’: mother of Royal Marines cadet who killed himself fights for change

Connor MacKenzie Clark with his mother, Tracey. Photograph: Family handout/family handout

Tracy Clark had understandably mixed emotions when her 18-year-old son, Connor MacKenzie Clark, packed his bags and left home to take part in a training course for the Royal Marines.

“It felt nerve-racking, really awful in a way, but I was so proud of him for having the courage to chase his dream,” Tracy told the Guardian. “I thought he was physically and emotionally strong enough. He was nervous but incredibly excited.”