Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Mark (Tal) Taylor from Sheffield, and this is my story about life with brain damage.

I am dying, this I know. I guess the question is, how do I want to be remembered?

Am I the man who suffered and gave up, or the man who said no, who fought back, who took control and helped make a difference to other people? 

Someone sent me the words below once, and you know what this pretty much sums it up for me... 

This Is me, I AM the storm, and I won't stop until I drop...

Fate whispers to the warrior

"You cannot withstand the storm"

and the warrior whispers back

"I am the storm"

I have had a colourful life, been a doorman for many years in some of the most notorious pubs and clubs in the region. As you can imagine, I am no stranger to a good fight. I can tell you this though, Brain damage is my toughest opponent yet, it's daily, it's constant but bring it on!!

I have been through a lot with my illness, I have lost people close to me, I have felt isolation, depression, felt worthless and discriminated against on so many occasions. 

The charity I have chosen to support financially through my journey over the next 12 months is Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. 

So many of the young people they work with have or are facing the same stigma as me. They are at the start of their life journey. Some too ill to attend school, some battling with anxiety and depression. Many pigeon holed as a drain on society. 

I believe in their future and can identify with their struggles and that of their families. 

This charity is well known as a place to visit but it is not recognized  for the amazing work that they do with so many kids who desperately need the right support. 

My mission is to change that.

So now I plan to reach out and tell my story (warts and all) and take on some personal challenges in the hope of helping others and making my family proud to show people what can be achieved by never giving up. At the same time I want to raise awareness about organ donations for medical research, and raise funds and awareness for Whirlow Hall Farm Trust.

So please follow me through challenges, comedy, and real life struggles right to the bitter end. 

Let's raise some money and share some laughs, and no doubt a few tears along the way.

I promise you, it won't be boring!

Blessings Tal x

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