Mark Cropp’s story begins like many tales of regret, but with a twist, that no one could have predicted.
After a botched drug deal lands him in prison for over two years, Mark finds himself in dire straits. But what followed was a decision that changed the course of his life forever—and not necessarily for the better.
When a night of drunken misadventure led to a permanent, visible reminder of his troubled past, Mark soon realized what a heavy burden he had created for himself. With a tattoo on his face that symbolized doom and regret, Mark faced the harsh reality of trying to rebuild his life in a world that seemed to judge him.
But what happened next took this story from despair to one of unexpected hope, as social media and the kindness of strangers stepped in to offer a second chance.
In an incredible story about the influence of social media, Mark Cropp, a young New Zealand man, finds himself at a crossroads after serving a two-year, three-month sentence for a botched drug deal.
In prison, Mark was determined to start over after his release, but an impulsive decision made behind bars would have lasting consequences.
One night, after consuming homemade alcohol made from fermented apples,breade, ad and sugar, Mark and his brother decided to change their lives. In a drunken haze, they decide to tattoo Mark’s face with his nickname using makeshift ink created from toothpaste and melted plastic dishes. The result was a large, bold black tattoo of “Devast8” on Mark’s jaw and face, a permanent reminder of his past.
After his release from prison, Mark quickly realized how difficult it would be to find employment. Despite his previous work experience, tattoos were a deterrent to employers, making it nearly impossible for him to secure a job.
Mark explained the meaning of the tattoo to Daily Mail Australia, saying: “There was a time when I was destroying everything I touched. I would disappoint everyone I met and they would often say, ‘That’s devastating’.” Once I started, I thought, ‘I can’t stop now,’ but I wish I’d stopped when it was just an outline.”
Reflecting on his decision, he added: “Before I knew it, I had this on my face… It was puffy like a bloody pumpkin.”
Desperate to remove the tattoo but unable to afford the expensive laser treatment, Mark turned to social media for help. He posted a selfie showing his tattoo, beckoning for a job and a chance to move on in life.
His heartfelt plea caught the attention of Sacred Tattoo, an Auckland-based tattoo parlor. Touched by Mark’s story, the studio offered to help by providing free laser sessions to remove the “Devast8” tattoo.
This generous act showed the power of social media to create change and the importance of compassion.
In addition to the tattoo removal offer, Mark managed to secure a job at PR Contracting, a scaffolding company, earning $22 an hour.
Mark’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact second chances, social media, and human kindness can have in transforming lives. Through his vulnerability and commitment to change, he not only received help from a generous community but also found a way to rebuild his future. Mark’s experiences highlight the importance of compassion both in the digital age and in real life, showing that even the most obvious mistakes can be overcome with support and opportunity. With a fresh start ahead of him, Mark can now focus on providing for his family and making the most of the fresh start he’s worked so hard for.