Mark McCourt, of South Shields, shattered his pelvis, and broke his leg, knee, ribs and vertebrate after a car ran over his body moments after knocking him off his motorbike in April 2021.
Mark, 40, was air lifted to the major trauma centre at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where specialist medical staff operated on him. He spent a month in hospital and even longer at home recovering, which involved learning to walk again, living and sleeping downstairs, and showering in a pop-up tent in the garden.
Just two weeks before the crash, Mark had enjoyed a motorcycle track day with long-term biker friend Cory Alazzawi, of Whitburn, Sunderland. Now, the pair are taking on another joint experience – but this time jumping out of an aeroplane at 15,000ft to raise money for Day One Trauma Support.
Day One at James Cook
Day One is a national charity that has supported more than 120 trauma patients and their families from across the northeast, since launching its services at James Cook in February.
The charity provides practical, emotional and financial support such as emergency funding for things like accommodation, clothing or specialist equipment, legal and welfare benefits advice, counselling, and peer support.
Mark helped launch the charity at James Cook in May by sharing his story. Although his bones have healed, he is still receiving specialist treatment in London for his damaged bladder and urethra, undergoing physio for his pelvic area and walks with a limp due to weakness in his left leg. The former marine engineer is also dealing with the ongoing psychological impact caused by the injuries.
But his life has turned around in many ways, having married his long-term partner Maria in August, and the couple are expecting their first child together later this month.
Pledge your support
Electrician Cory, who runs Lovely Electrical LTD, is donating five percent of his profits over the past couple of months to the charity fundraiser. Cory is still recognised in the local area for appearing on ITV’s dating show Take Me Out in 2016 – where he impressed contestants with his segway skills.
The jump is due to take place this Saturday (8 October) at Sky-High Skydiving at Peterlee Parachute Centre, in Shotton Colliery, Durham.
To support Mark and Cory, please visit their fundraising page.
Mark McCourt, 40, of South Shields, said: “When I first had my crash, I wasn’t sure I would even be able to walk the dog again, let alone be able to jump out of an aeroplane from 15,000ft. I can’t wait to push myself to support such a worthy cause.
“I’ve been lucky to have good people around me to support me during my recovery, including Cory. It feels good to have your pal by your side and it feels amazing that we can do this together to support Day One. It’s fantastic that this charity is here in the northeast to help people like me who suffer life-changing injuries and don’t know where to turn.
“If I hadn’t had the crash, I don’t think I would be doing this skydive. My life was the same and I was in a happy routine. But something significant happened to me, which has helped me reevaluate my life. I’m now married, going to be a dad and living each day to its fullest.”