In this compelling tale about the influence of social media, Mark Cropp, a young man from New Zealand, was serving a two-year, three-month term for a failed drug trade when he found himself at a crossroads.
After serving his sentence, Mark made a decision that would have a significant influence on his life inside because he was yearning for a new start.
Sitting in their detention cell one night after drinking homemade whiskey made from fermented apples, bread, and sugar, Mark and his brother made a decision that would change their lives.
The facial tattoo
They made the spontaneous ink decision to tattoo Mark’s nickname on his face while he was in a trance, using toothpaste, melted plastic knives, and forks.
The result was a massive black tattoo that brazenly scribbled “Devast8” over his lower face and chin, eventually coming to represent sadness.
Once his prison sentence was over, Mark was forced to confront the unpleasant reality of being unemployed.
His large facial tattoo made it very difficult for him to support his fiancée and little child and reintegrate into society, despite his willingness to do so.
Mark had worked before, but he was unable to get employment because potential employers were scared off by the obvious ink.
Regarding the meaning of the tattoo, Mark told the Daily Mail Australia, “You know, there was a period when I would ruin everything I touched. “I’d end up destroying everyone I met or got close to.”
I would constantly hear, “That’s devastating,” when I did or said anything that disappointed them, he said. Once it got going, I realized I couldn’t stop. “I wish I had stopped while the outline was still there, to be honest,” he said.
“I didn’t realize I had this on my face. He described it as being as swollen as a crimson pumpkin.
In search of a solution, Mark looked into tattoo removal, but he was unable to locate qualified practitioners or the necessary funds.
The most practical approach, laser removal, was quite costly and required many sessions. Mark then looked for assistance on social media.
Mark posted a self-portrait on Facebook, flaunting his unique tattoo and pleading for employment and a fresh start.
His sincere plea gained momentum on the internet and attracted the notice of the employees of Sacred Tattoo in Auckland.
Fresh starts
Mark’s story touched them, and Sacred Tattoo believed they could make a difference, so they resolved to pull off an incredible deed of kindness.
Mark received free laser removal treatments from the tattoo parlor, which is renowned for its community involvement, to get rid of the “Devast8” tattoo on his face.
This kind gesture by Sacred Tattoo illustrated the transformative powers of social media in addition to the strength of compassion.
Additionally, Mark was paid $22 per hour to work for the scaffolding firm PR Contracting.
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