After taking on a challenge to regain some fitness in 2012, at nearly 40 years old, Mark was hit with such severe numbness in his legs he had trouble walking.
After almost 2 years of tests, scans, pokes, and prods, Mark was diagnosed with transverse myelitis and finally remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis in August 2014.
I remember that day vividly - I messaged my wife and then got in my car. I was just leaving the specialist when I felt an overwhelming, impotent rage. I'd never felt so weak or helpless in all my life.
Fortunately for Mark, his strength has always been the amazing people in his life and who he surrounds himself with, first amongst this group of people are Mark's wife and daughter. Using his diagnosis for motivation, in the two years post-diagnosis, Mark and his wife lost over 140kg between them.
The weight loss meant simple but profound changes - being able to just walk into any store and buy any shirt that takes my eye - unbelievable! A tragically bad but enthusiastic cricketer, I could finally start playing aged 40. It quickly became a passion and primary community engagement.
Mark has taken part in the MS Walk Run + Roll in Launceston for the last four years! It's something that he feels fortunate enough to do, seeing as some people with multiple sclerosis cannot take part.
I walk to support people who live with multiple sclerosis. Thanks to the changes I needed to make in life after my diagnosis, MS has been part of making me a healthier person today than at any point before I was diagnosed. I will walk for as long as I possibly can!
Mark was also the top fundraiser in 2023 for the Launceston event. His favourite part of the event is seeing everyone in their costumes, and seeing big teams make a fun day out of supporting the community. So be sure to dress up in 2024 and support the MS community!
Speaking on his top fundraising tip, Mark has some great advice for everyone fundraising in 2024.
Ask once but ask well. Have a reason for what you do. That way, the money doesn't seem as important, but it's what inspires others to support you.
