Some people wear many hats. Mark doesn’t just wear them - he carries them with grace, grit and an unwavering sense of purpose. Award-winning pizza chef. Restaurant owner. Father. Husband. CanToo-er. Cancer survivor. Each title represents a different chapter of his life built on passion, perseverance and an extraordinary ability to turn challenges into opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Why I CanToo
In 2021, Mark’s life changed forever when he received the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 tongue cancer. The road ahead was confronting. His treatment involved undergoing invasive radiation every day for seven weeks. Before each session, Mark was required to put on a custom-made full body suit and be pinned to the treatment table, ensuring radiation could be precisely targeted to the exact area requiring treatment.
Throughout the seven weeks of treatment, Mark found himself looking for ways to take his mind off the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He knew he wanted to get fitter and move forward from cancer, and he also wanted to use his experience to make a positive difference and support others facing their own challenges.
That’s when he discovered CanToo.
"CanToo changed my life"
Eager to turn his intentions into action, Mark joined CanToo right at the end of his treatment. Although the training wasn’t easy, coming straight off chemotherapy and 35 consecutive radiation treatments, he mentally felt like he could take on anything and he soon reconnected with his love of running.
When Mark crossed the finish line of his first goal event, the Sydney Marathon 10km, he was overcome with emotion. Tears of happiness came as he realised just how far he had come, and how much was now possible. As Mark puts it “once you’ve been through the suffering from the treatment, the suffering from training is a good suffering.”
Mark didn’t just stop there. From taking on the Runaway Half Marathon to conquering City2Surf and returning season after season to CanToo's run programs, he embraced every opportunity to push himself while being part of something bigger.
Reflecting on his experiences, Mark told us “a half marathon is supposed to hurt. But somewhere out there, when my legs were hurting and my body was telling me to stop, I kept thinking about the chemo and radiation. I’d already learned what suffering really felt like. Compared to fighting cancer, this was pain I had chosen - and pain with a finish line.”
Over the next five years, Mark became a valued and familiar member of the CanToo community. What kept him coming back was more than the training - it was the people. He credits the programs with creating an environment where everyone supports one another and stays accountable, no matter the conditions.
"Whether it’s raining, cold or dark, everyone is at the track on Wednesday nights and up early on Saturday mornings to run together," he says. "Coach Tess is awesome - always smiling, encouraging and checking in with me. Then after benchmark intervals, we’d all head to the pub for dinner. The opportunity to talk about other things and get to know people in a different way is so nice."
For Mark, however, the strongest connection has always been to the cause itself.
He considers the researcher pod visits, where participants meet the early and emerging cancer researchers that their fundraising supports, to be among his most memorable CanToo experiences. Having the opportunity to hear directly from researchers about their work and hear firsthand how fundraising contributions are making a difference has had a lasting impact.
"Listening to them speak about how they use the funds and knowing that our fundraising goes towards such an amazing cause is really motivating," Mark says. "It’s what continues to drive my fundraising efforts."
Pizza with a purpose
As an award-winning pizza chef, Mark has spent his life in hospitality and loves nothing more than bringing people together over a great meal. So, when it came to fundraising for CanToo, hosting dinners at his restaurant in Double Bay was the perfect recipe for success.
"I am very fortunate to have my own restaurant where everyone can get dressed up, enjoy a dinner and, in return, donate to CanToo," Mark says.
From delicious wood-fired pizzas to creamy tiramisu, Mark's fundraising dinners have become much more than a meal - they're an opportunity for family, friends and the wider community to connect, celebrate and support life-changing cancer research. Guests consistently describe the evenings as fun and memorable.
His most recent fundraising dinner in July was a huge success, raising $1,364. The evening was made even more special with the attendance of Professor David Gallego Ortega, several CanToo staff members and many of Mark's fellow participants and friends.
To date, Mark has raised an incredible $10,842 for CanToo - a testament to his generosity, passion and commitment to the cause.
"It’s not always easy, but my pod really inspires me," he says. "I love seeing how people fundraise in different and creative ways for such a good cause. Just like with the training, everyone supports each other!"
Whether he's serving up pizzas or rallying his community around a shared cause, Mark continues to prove that bringing people together can create an impact far beyond the dinner table.
Because of CanToo
Because of CanToo, Mark has discovered how great he is at pushing himself and his boundaries. He’s strengthened his ‘never give up’ attitude and embraced his simple approach: just keep running - like Forest Gump!
That philosophy extends well beyond race day. Mark brings the same determination, generosity and commitment to everything he does in his personal and professional life. His kindness and willingness to support others have made him a valued member of the CanToo community, where he continues to inspire those around him both on and off the track.
If you're feeling empowered by Mark's story, then join our Summer Run program and work towards your next goal while raising funds to support cancer research.
