Mark is determined to win Australian Survivor – not just for himself, but in memory of his brother Herman, who died of cancer in 2014.
Herman had a mole removed in 2007. He was shocked to learn it was a melanoma – and that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes.
Keen to make a difference, Herman began working for Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA), a charity that supports those diagnosed with the disease.
“That was his biggest legacy,” an emotional Mark, 51, tells TV WEEK. “Right up until the day he died, he was supporting other patients.”
If Mark wins Australian Survivor, he plans to donate $100,000 of his prize money to MPA in memory of his beloved brother.
The lime farmer from Queensland as fared reasonable well so far on the reality series. After joining the Samatau tribe, Mark and his fellow castaways won the first immunity challenge.
Both teams tackled physical obstacles and a puzzle to win food and fire for their camp. The race was close, but the Asaga tribe fell short of victory.
It was a joyous occasion for Mark in particular, who failed to win the fire challenge earlier that day.
Don’t let his kindness fool you; Mark is here to win!
The win secured Mark another night on the Samoan island and saw Asaga heading to Tribal Council. The first contestant eliminated was Joan.
As for his strategy to win Australian Survivor, the father of two and grandfather of six, will be forced to go against his moral compass to last. While he may not be as young as he fellow contestants, Mark believes he has what it takes to win.
“My word is my bond and I teach my children and grandchildren that and we never break that,” he said on-screen. “But this is a game. The door to the universe is wide open so I will jump in and see where I land.”
