Waterford dual star Mark Dalton is back home in Knockanore after spending four months at The National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin. The Shamrocks man arrived back in time to celebrate his 18th birthday with his family.
Mark was involved in a car accident, along with his twin brother Tom and three friends, in Youghal last December. He suffered serious spinal injuries and a GoFundMe page was set up to support his recovery and renovate his house. The GoFundMe page has raised an incredible €317,064 since it was launched in January. His school Pobalscoil na Tríonóide in Youghal also organised a virtual 5K in April.
Mark's home is now fully equipped for his needs with a new entrance, car port, open-plan kitchen and living space, new bedroom, accessible en-suite bathroom and gym.
The Dalton family posted the following update on the GoFundMe page:
"We have some wonderful news to share. Mark arrived home last week just in time to celebrate his 18th Birthday with his parents and brother Tom. Marks recovery and rehabilitation in The National Rehabilitation Hospital has been exceptional. Mark has worked incredibly hard over the past four months to get home to his family and friends. His transition home has come with relative ease as his home is now fully equipped for his needs: new entrance with car port; open-plan kitchen & living space; new bedroom and accessible en-suite bathroom. The Dalton family are overwhelmed by the love and support shown for Mark since December 3rd 2020. The outpouring of generosity has been overwhelming. The tireless work of the project management team and all the trades people involved in the renovation deserves gratitude beyond words. Mark is now ready to begin the rest of his journey. Thankfully his rehabilitation can continue at home in a new accessible gym, purpose built with additional raised funds from this Go Fund Me. We wish him the best of luck for the future and thank you all once again for the amazing response to this fundraiser. We will be closing the page on Sunday 9th May 2021. Thank you!"
Some fantastic news to read this evening 👏
An update from the Mark Dalton Recovery Fund!
Well Done to everyone involved in raising funds to allow Mark come home!
Best Wishes to Mark as he continues he recovery and rehabilitation 🙌#deiseabú pic.twitter.com/Z1pyyC0UGD— Waterford GAA (@WaterfordGAA) May 5, 2021
