A GRANDAD who has been given months to live following a heartbreaking terminal brain tumour diagnosis is hoping to complete his bucket list - in a ‘nightmare’ year which has seen him financially crippled after taking in his four grandchildren.
Mark Younger, 53, and his 51-year-old wife Joanne, both of Ibberson Avenue in Mapplewell, started the year looking forward to their retirement in their home before their daughter encountered drug and alcohol problems.
The couple took in the two oldest children, 12-year-old twins Summer and Ruby, at the end of June and then towards September they also took in five-year-old Jake and four-year-old Naviea.
All four children are currently living in the same ‘tiny’ room which is making living difficult - and the family’s embarked on a fundraising drive for an extension.
The couple were originally quoted £55,000 but after they remortgaged their house the builder ‘disappeared’.
They’ve now been quoted more than £70,000 for all the details and they’re currently around £8,000 short.
A fundraiser was set up to raise as much money for an extension to the house - and more than £7,000 has been raised so far.
But things keep adding up for the family and in October, Mark took a ‘funny turn’ at work which turned out to be a bleed on the brain as well as a brain tumour.
He’s since had a brain surgery which removed 85 per cent of the tumour.
However last Wednesday, the family received the ‘worst possible news’ - that he has 12 to 18 months to live.
Joanne told the Chronicle: “We found out that Mark was diagnosed was terminal and that he’s got 12 to 18 months to live, but they can’t even guarantee that.
“We were told he has a grade four tumour and there’s not much point in going through the next surgery.
“He’s got to go through chemotherapy and radiotherapy now - he’s lost more than a stone in weight and he’s not sleeping well at the minute.”
Joanne says she’s trying to stay strong for Mark and the grandchildren.
“The fundraiser first went on at £5,000 put it’s been going up and up and it’s been really overwhelming to say the least,” she added.
“Mark is doing some of the work but he can’t do a lot of it now because he’s so tired.
“We’re looking for a plasterer and things like that to help out - it’s a really rubbish situation.
“We’re struggling with the kids for Christmas presents and it’s all getting on top of us now.
“I know it’s such a sad time but I’ve got to be there for the kids at Christmas - people have been absolutely amazing.
“I just wish we could find a cure for this horrible disease and have a Mark that’s going to be here.”
Mark has created a bucket list of things that he wants to do before he dies - and Joanne is hoping to make all of his dreams come true.
He’s started a list of things he wants to complete in that time frame, including going to Disney Land Paris with the grandkids and going to Harry Potter World.
He also wants to renew his wedding vows with Joanne and be here for Christmas next year.
But there’s one item on the bucket list that she’s trying her hardest to find - and it’s an emotional reunion with his first ever motorbike.
She released a plea on Facebook this week and has so far seen her post shared by more than 4,000 people.
It said: “The number one item on his bucket list is to be reunited with his first bike after passing his test in 1985.
“This is a Yamaha RXS100, reg number A932 WHL.
“It’s still taxed and has its MOT as per the DVLA website and various rumours over the years indicated it’s still in Barnsley area.
“Please spread the word to make my husband’s wish come true - just to see his beloved bike one last time would mean the world to him.”
If you have any information get in contact with the Chronicle.
