Known as Mr O Canada, Mark Donnelly has been a prominent Canadian singer of the national anthem singer at NHL hockey games throughout his career.
With a Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia, Donnelly went on to study music at both Montreal and California before beginning a successful career as a singer, conductor and teacher. It was later that Donnelly went on to perform the national anthem for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ as part of the American Hockey League. Donnelly has since sung the national anthem for the NHL Vancouver Canucks. A favourite with audiences across the country, Donnelly’s signature move is to hold the microphone into the crowd, encouraging them to sing along with him. Despite his career successes, Donnelly has spent much of his childhood and adult life struggling with his weight. As the father of nine children, before reaching his 50th birthday, he realised it was his last chance to do something about it. After following a controversial diet regime dating from the 1950s, Donnelly lost over 185 pounds, half his body weight in just two years.
Having since achieved such an incredible goal, Donnelly has gone on to follow a host of other dreams including playing goal in ice hockey and becoming a passionate squash player. Now an inspiring motivational speaker, Donnelly wows audiences with his unique story, helping not only those struggling with their weight but also anyone looking to overcome obstacles in their life.