Mark Cropp, a young man from New Zealand, made a decision one night that would drastically impact his life. During a two-year prison sentence following a failed drug deal, he drank strong, homemade alcohol made from apples, bread, and sugar. In a drunken moment with his brother, they decided to give Mark a face tattoo using makeshift ink made from toothpaste and melted plastic.

By the end of the night, Mark’s face was marked with the word “Devast8,” covering his jaw and lower face. Unfortunately, this tattoo would later create significant challenges for him.

Upon his release, Mark was determined to turn his life around. He wanted to secure employment, support his wife and daughter, and leave his troubled past behind. However, he quickly learned that this goal would be harder than anticipated. Despite his willingness to work and a solid employment history, employers rejected him due to his prominent face tattoo, not his past criminal record.

In an interview with Daily Mail Australia, Mark explained the reasoning behind his tattoo. “There was a long period where I would devastate everything I touched, disappointing everyone I met or got close to,” he shared. “Once it started, I thought I couldn’t go back on it. I wish I’d stopped when only the outline was there. But before I knew it, it was fully inked on my face, and my face was swollen like a pumpkin.”

Desperate to remove the tattoo, Mark reached out to professionals, but no one was willing to help. Laser removal proved too costly, so Mark turned to social media, sharing a Facebook post with his story and seeking both a job and a second chance. His post quickly gained traction, attracting the attention of people across the internet.

The viral post soon reached Sacred Tattoo, a tattoo parlor in Auckland. Moved by his story, the shop offered to remove the tattoo free of charge, showing their support for someone determined to rebuild his life.

With his face tattoo gone, Mark was finally able to find employment. He secured a job with PR Contracting, a scaffolding company, where he now earns $22 per hour. His journey from rock bottom to a fresh start serves as a testament to resilience and the power of community support.

Mark’s story reminds us of the importance of second chances. Share his journey with family and friends to spread a message of hope and redemption.