Mark Dalton Recovery Fund

                                                                                                                                    (Mark-left, Tom-right)
On Thursday, December 3rd 2020, Mark Dalton, his twin brother Tom, and three friends were involved in a serious car accident. Mark received exceptional care from the first responders, paramedics, staff at Cork University Hospital and the Spinal Unit of the Mater Hospital. Despite their efforts, he has been left with major trauma to his spine.           
Mark is currently at the beginning of his rehabilitation journey which will continue in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire for the next considerable period of time.
Mark is a 5th year student in Pobalscoil na Tríonóide in Youghal, Co Cork, where he has made a lasting impression, as outlined here by school principal, Séamas Ó Ceallacháin:

                                                                                                                                     (Tom-left, Mark-right)
“There’s one or two in every school and community; ye know the kind of young man I am talking about. Without ever trying to command attention, the guy who seamlessly gains the respect of his colleagues and whom you know is a team player. That fellow who never sets out to be the focal point of conversation yet is very popular with everybody. The person you know that will always be there for you if you are in a corner but doesn’t want to be over-powering. To the community of Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Mark Dalton is that fine, decent, respected, and well-liked young man.”

Mark is an amazing teenager. His strength and determination have been obvious to all from a very young age, starting on the hurling field. He was born with a hurley in his hands and blue Waterford blood in his veins! Despite their relatively tender years, both Mark and Tom have achieved so much on both hurling & football fields. Just a few short days after the accident, both were due to represent their county, their club and their family in the Munster Minor Hurling championship against Tipperary in Páirc Ui Rinn, Cork.


“Mark is and was, along with his twin brother Tom, a very important member of this year’s county minor hurling panel. Armed with a relaxed but focused attitude, Mark developed into a fine young hurler who excelled in an attacking role. Mark’s contribution to the panel was immense and his searing pace, along with a superb eye for a score, was sorely missed in our championship outing against Tipperary.”
                                                  Darragh Duggan, Waterford Minor Hurling Manager, 2020.

The main goal of this Go Fund Me page is to bring Mark back to a suitably modified home. In order to achieve this goal considerable alterations are necessary in the Dalton home, with immediate modifications required in order to bring Mark home as soon as possible. Alterations will include an accessible front door and hallway, open-plan accessible kitchen and living space and an accessible bedroom and bathroom for Mark. 
                                                                                                                                     (Mark-left, Tom-right)
We, his friends have set up this Go Fund Me to assist Mark on his journey. This is where you, the wider public can help us to help Mark, to ensure that his essential needs are met and that the entire family will be aided and comforted for challenging times ahead. You can help, and no matter how small or large your contribution is, we thank you with all our hearts. Help us to bring Mark to where he wants and needs to be- in his own home.

Thank you so much.