Mark Cropp, a young man from New Zealand, made a regrettable decision during one fateful night while serving a two-year and three-month prison sentence for a failed drug deal. This choice would change the course of his life in ways he never anticipated.

One evening in prison, Mark and his brother decided to drink some homemade alcohol, a potent mix of apples, bread, and sugar. Under the influence, they made a rash and irreversible decision. With crude tools and makeshift ink made from toothpaste and melted plastic utensils, they tattooed the word “Devast8” across Mark’s face. The tattoo covered his entire jaw and lower face, becoming an unfortunate and permanent reminder of that night.

Once he was released from prison, Mark was eager to turn his life around. He was determined to leave his criminal past behind, start fresh, and provide for his family. He wanted nothing more than to become a supportive husband to his wife and a loving father to his daughter. However, this was easier said than done. The enormous tattoo on his face became a barrier to employment, and he found it nearly impossible to secure a job, even though he had a decent work history. What made it all the more frustrating was that his inability to find employment was not due to his criminal record, but solely because of the massive tattoo that now dominated his face.

Mark shared the story behind his tattoo with *Daily Mail Australia*, expressing deep regret about the decision. “There was a long time where I would devastate everything I touched. I would end up devastating everyone I met or got close to,” he explained. “People would always be disappointed by something I had done or said. I kept hearing, ‘that’s devastating.’ When we started the tattoo, I thought, ‘Well, there’s no going back now.’ I wish I had stopped when the outline was just there, to be honest. But before I knew it, my entire face was inked, and it swelled up like a pumpkin.”

Realizing the detrimental impact the tattoo was having on his ability to rebuild his life, Mark was desperate to have it removed. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find any professionals who were willing to help him, and the cost of laser removal was far beyond his financial reach. With limited options, he decided to turn to social media, hoping for some assistance or guidance.

Mark posted a photo of his tattoo on Facebook, explaining his situation and seeking employment. He expressed his desire for a second chance and a fresh start, hoping that someone would be willing to overlook the tattoo and give him an opportunity. The post quickly gained traction, as people shared it widely across the platform, and it caught the attention of a local tattoo shop in Auckland, Sacred Tattoo.

In an act of kindness and community spirit, the staff at Sacred Tattoo offered to remove Mark’s tattoo free of charge. They understood how important this step was for him to reintegrate into society and supported his efforts to rebuild his life. Thanks to their generosity, Mark was finally able to remove the “Devast8” tattoo from his face, a huge relief both physically and emotionally.

With the tattoo gone, new doors opened for Mark. He was offered a job at PR Contracting, a scaffolding company, where he now earns $22 an hour. This opportunity allowed him to provide for his family and start over with a clean slate.

Mark’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how one bad decision can change a person’s life, but also how determination, community support, and the will to change can pave the way for a second chance. We are glad to see this devoted husband and father finally able to embark on a new chapter in his life.