A NEWLYWED left brain damaged after a brutal attacker beat him up and threw him off Cleethorpes Pier is now helping to transform the lives of others.
Twenty years on from the horrific attack that left him fighting for his life, and after a remarkable recuperation, he has returned from the brink to become a proud dad and a regular volunteer mental health worker.
Mark Taylor was a 24-year-old fitness fanatic who had married just five months earlier when, on November 19, 1994, he was left fighting for his life after being head butted, knocked out and thrown by his legs over the side of the pier and onto the sand below.
His attacker, Steven Bates, of South Killingholme, had drunk ten pints of snakebite – a mixture of cider and lager – and his barrister told the court that he believed his drinks had been spiked as traces of amphetamine or ecstasy were found in his blood. He was jailed for 12 years in October 1995, aged 25, after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent.
The judge at Grimsby Crown Court said it was one of the worst cases of its kind he had dealt with.
Mark had been out with friends celebrating being offered a job with a chemicals firm after 18 months working away in Germany, when his life was changed forever.
The attack – in front of a group of people queuing to get into the Pier nightclub – was described by the prosecutor as "an act of such considerable violence that many of the people who witnessed it were so disgusted they voluntarily attended the police station and gave details".
And had it not been for the resuscitation attempts of an off-duty fireman, the former Havelock student might not have survived at all.
Mark, of Grimsby, spent over a week on a life support machine and was diagnosed with 100 per cent brain damage – he then caught pneumonia while in hospital.
Before his injury he completed triathlons, and had his own jet ski.
He had to learn to walk and talk again, and has not been able to find work since.
Last year his recovery wobbled after suffering a breakdown and he spent time recuperating at Harrison House, Grimsby. He now volunteers with cleaning and spends time talking to patients at the Navigo-run facility.
For his efforts Mark, now 44, was nominated for the Volunteer Of The Year Award in the Grimsby Telegraph Community Awards, by his partner Maddie.
It was the first night of the National Lottery when he was attacked, and Mark joked that he even won £10 on the draw. Though he has no recollection of the night itself.
He said: "I had had 14 job interviews and was celebrating being offered this job. There was a fight and it escalated outside. When I came round it was nearly Christmas."
A letter sent to Mark by a witness afterwards told how he was viciously attacked. The writer's husband took a punch for his efforts to restrain the assailant.
Mark's mum, Sheila, said: "I remember getting a call from my son-in-law saying something has happened to Mark. When we arrived at the hospital they said they didn't expect him to live the night.
"Thank God he did. We're so proud of his recovery."
Mark began his long revival by joining the then Body Studio gym in Orwell Street, Grimsby, where he was later given an award for his work as a trainer.
The former machine plasterer's marriage later broke down but he went on to have a daughter, who is now 13.
He has also completed a computer aided design course, but has been unable to secure work.
He told how he has "not had a good night's sleep in 20 years", and was reliant upon sleeping tablets to have any sleep at all.
His partner of nine years, Maddie, said Mark is often judged due to his slurred voice.
She added: "Mark hates being on his own. He is very insecure and feels inferior because he hasn't worked.
"He felt he had something to give back and began volunteering. I was crying at the awards night. It's a miracle to think where he has come from."
Mark added: "I find the volunteering very rewarding and when I come home I feel like I've done a day's work. It's helped me so much.
"It was horrible not being able to walk or talk and it's been a real struggle, but I feel like I've come a long way."
Perhaps your business could offer Mark employment. Contact the Grimsby Telegraph if you can help.
