Mark Strickland - raising for the Legless Legend

Hi, my name is Charlotte. I am fundraising for my brother Mark!

Mark was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes around 20 years ago. Since his diagnosis he has suffered terribly with all areas of his health.

Mark worked for Aldi for 11 years where he has served the community of scarborough and never moaned about the daily pain he was suffering.

In 2019 we saved up and took a family holiday to Turkey. Three days into our holiday mark caught an ear infection from the pool and ended up in intensive care. Luckily, he pulled through and we were left with a 6k hospital bill that his holiday insurance refused to pay!

In 2020 we went to Liverpool, and again, following a water infection Mark ended up fighting for his life but pulled through.

Following the above two incidents Mark was left in constant pain in his feet, legs and upper body and had to leave his employment at Aldi.

His devoted wife has had many weeks and months (unpaid) off work to help support and look after mark.

His illness and pain has not stopped there!

At the start of April 2022 Mark got an infection of the skin, (cellulitis). He was rushed into hospital and due to shortages, left in a corridor, on a bed for a total of 3 days. His cellulitis lead to sepsis. Within the space of 4 days he had to have 3 toes amputated. The infection was still gaining momentum and 24 hours later Mark had his left leg amputated and was informed that this may not be the end of major operations due to his body having little immunity and the trauma his body has been through.

For as long as I can remember, Mark has put his family and friends before himself in all aspects of life even to the extent that it has been detrimental to himself. He continued to work and even when advised not to, he served the community even during Covid times putting himself at risk.

Mark has never complained of the pain, although the pain was clearly visible just from looking at him. He is one of the strongest people I know.

Mark is in rented accommodation and like the majority of people struggles to make ends meet. Mark is no longer employed, his wife has to take time off unpaid to care for him and regardless of his ill health, he was refused PIP as they did not believe he was serious enough to receive benefits.

Mark has cared for the community of Scarborough and looked after residents in times of need and now it’s come to a time in life when he needs some help.

Health services have never taken responsibility for him and his serious conditions have never been properly managed by a particular department. This, I’m sure of has contributed to his fast deteriorating health with even more to come.

This help would allow Mark to gain extra support for additional home help, more rehabilitation, more availability for transport, paying of bills and a well deserved holiday for some well deserved rest other than in a hospital bed. Mark would be able to not worry about his wife when she needs to take time off unpaid to help him.

Mark is 47 years old and is well known and established in Scarborough. He is loved by the elderly residents and is a familiar face to much of the community.

My brother has given so much and taken nothing in return. We are hoping that he will be fitted with a leg in the next 12 months but this maybe wishful thinking.

If I could take half of the trauma that Mark has endured, I would feel like a better sister. If I could give him the world, I would, but reality doesn’t allow.

This page is set up so I can try to raise funds to help Mark with a bit better quality of life, the life he deserves.

I am a firm believer that the more effort you put into life, the more you get out. For some reason, this saying has not come true for the most unselfish, kind and caring person I will ever have the pleasure of knowing. My adorable brother Mark.