This is a remarkable story that shows how social media can change lives. Mark Cropp, a young man from New Zealand, faced a major turning point after serving a two-year, three-month sentence for a drug deal that went wrong.
While in prison, Mark was determined to start fresh when he got out. One night, he and his brother, who were both drunk from homemade alcohol they made using fermented apples, bread, and sugar, made a big decision that would change Mark’s life forever.
The face tattoo
In a blur of alcohol and bad decisions, they decided to tattoo Mark’s face with his nickname using a homemade ink made from toothpaste and melted plastic knives and forks. The tattoo turned out to be a huge black one, spelling “Devast8” across his jaw and lower face. Later on, it became a symbol of regret for Mark.
After getting out of prison, Mark found it really hard to get a job. Even though he wanted to start a new life and support his partner and daughter, his big face tattoo made it almost impossible. Even though he had experience working before, employers didn’t want to hire him because of the tattoo.
Mark explained to the Daily Mail Australia that the tattoo represented a time when he messed up a lot and hurt people around him. He said, “You know there was a long time there where I would devastate everything I touched. I would end up devastating everyone I met or got close to.”
He explained further, saying, “People would always tell me they were upset or disappointed with something I did or said – it was always like, ‘that’s devastating.’ Once we started, I couldn’t change my mind. I wish I had stopped before it was finished, to be honest.”
“Before I knew it, I had this tattoo on my face… It got really swollen, like a big pumpkin,” he added.
Mark desperately wanted to get rid of the tattoo. He tried to find ways to remove it, but it was hard because it cost a lot of money, and not many professionals were willing to help. Laser removal seemed like the best option, but it required many sessions and was very expensive. So, Mark decided to ask for help on social media.
Mark went on Facebook and posted a selfie showing his face tattoo. He asked for a job and a fresh start. Many people saw his post, including the staff at Sacred Tattoo, a tattoo shop in Auckland. They were interested in helping him out.
New beginnings
Moved by Mark’s story and wanting to help, Sacred Tattoo decided to do something special. They offered to remove Mark’s face tattoo for free using laser removal sessions. Sacred Tattoo is known for helping out in their community, and this act of kindness showed how much they care about people like Mark.
Their offer not only showed how social media can bring about positive change but also showed how powerful compassion can be.
Mark also got a job at a scaffolding company called PR Contracting, where he earns $22 per hour.
What do you think of this story? Do you think everyone deserves a second shot at life? Let us know in the comments!
