Footballer Mark's fighting spirit
A HAND injury early last year appeared nothing too serious for local footballer Mark Taylor. But a problem with his ankle shortly before the 2009 FA Vase final proved to be something different.
Having missed Whitley Bay's 2002 FA Vase success through injury, the young defender was determined not to miss out this time around – and he didn't.
However, a few months after the euphoria of his Wembley success, the injuries took another turn for the 26-year-old from Whitley Bay.
He was referred to a neurologist as there was no sign of any improvement to his injured hand or ankle.
He had not been given any indication from doctors about what the problem might be, but his own research into his symptoms drew his attention to Motor Neurone Disease.
And in January this year, after a five-night stay in hospital, doctors confirmed what he had come to expect.
He said: "Because I'd looked into and had an indication that it might be that, I wasn't shocked. But obviously I was devastated.
"I went through with the doctor about how it would progress and what it would affect, and it was then I realised how serious it could and will be."
Mark was given the devastating news that his life expectancy was between three and five years.
Since his diagnosis he now walks with a limp, has lost the use of his right hand and his speech is slightly slurred.
"It has affected my whole family and they were all in tears, and my girlfriend Faye was devastated," he said.
"But we just hope that is a worst case scenario. The fact that I am young and fit means that I should be able to fight it for a lot longer.
"The big thing I have found hard to deal with is that there is no way of knowing what will happen, there is an uncertainty about it.
"My right hand is useless now and I can't tie my shoe laces or do simple, every day things.
"I can't do any sport or exercise, which going from what I was doing with working as a PE teacher and playing football has been very difficult."
Mark is still teaching at Kenton School, but his illness means he can only do the theory element of the subject.
And although the school have been accommodating with his condition, he knows that one day he will have to give it up.
"The thing that will stop me working is my voice, sooner or later I will not be able to talk, but I hope to have a couple of years teaching left," he added.
Despite his illness Mark is determined to fight it, he does not want people to treat him any differently to normal and wants life to be as enjoyable as it can
"Although I am ill I am still the same person, and I still enjoy doing the same things and I don't want anyone to treat me any differently," he said.
"I have been to every away match with the Vase and stayed over with the football team, and it's exactly the same, I just don't play.
"On my first trip away with the lads they bought me a walking stick, and that's the kind of stuff I want."
Mark also had reason to smile over Valentine's weekend when his girlfriend Faye accepted his marriage proposal while they were staying at Jesmond Dene House. The couple will marry on July 24.
"She was over the moon, and there were tears," he said.
"We are really looking forward to it, but one of my biggest fears is not being able to walk at my wedding."
Now Mark, with the support of friends and family, is trying to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
He said: "It is going through some major research, and no one knows why it affects you, or how it starts, and no one knows a cure.
There is very little treatment, and the drug that I am taking only increases life expectancy by eight months in two thirds of people.
"There is an MND centre in the RVI at Newcastle, I did not know it was there, and not many people do.
"It is a disease where not a lot of people know what it is, and the fact that it can affect anyone for any reason, any time.
"I think it is going to be a bit late for me, but I want to contribute to more successful treatment and ultimately a cure.
"I also want to make sure that Faye and my family have what they want, for me not to have to worry about fitting a stair lift or any financial burdens."
Fundraising events have already been organised, including a quiz night, an auction event and a charity football match at Hillheads between the 2002 Whitley Bay Vase winners and the 2009 Wembley winners on a date to be set.
And at the home tie of the FA Carlsberg Vase game between Whitley Bay and Barwell on Saturday, April 3, money will be raised through raffle tickets being sold.
Mark is keen to thank his family, along with friends and colleagues, who have supported him.
He added: "It is a massive struggle, and it's hard.
"But I can still do the things I want, I can go to the football and I can go to work.
"But there will be one day when I can't, and when that day comes there is nothing that is going to help me improve or make me better.
"It's the future that is scary."
Any local businesses who would like to donate a prize for the quiz night, which is being held on Thursday, April 1, at Newcastle Falcons' Kingston Park, should contact Harry Bell on 07917 056010.
Meanwhile, 2,296 members have joined a Facebook group called 'Mark Taylor will always be a legend', which was set up by two pupils at Kenton School.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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