Bed is a tall order for Mark
THE plight of a teenage giant who searched the country for a bed big enough has warmed the hearts of the Wakefield community.
And now a secret Santa has delivered a special present to 15-year-old Mark Hellard – a 7ft 6ins long masterpiece which means his sleepless nights are over.
Mark, of Irwin Crescent, Eastmoor, developed a brain tumour and suffered a stroke after a sudden and rare growth spurt, which has left him standing at 6ft 10ins.
The illness, pituitary gigantism, meant Mark's seemingly innocent headaches were actually symptoms of a tumour the size of an egg.
Last month Mark underwent a 12-hour operation, followed by a stroke, which meant he had to learn to walk and eat again.
But the tall guy now can get his head down thanks to a mystery benefactor, who made and delivered a new bed fit for king completely free of charge.
Wendy Bruce, a retail worker, was spurred into action when she read about Mark in the Express and began lobbying bed companies to see if anyone could help.
Ms Bruce said: "I made tonnes of phone calls and then I got a call back from a company, which wishes to remain anonymous, saying they'd love to help.
"I was so excited I burst into tears. Two days later, the bed was here."
Mark's mum, Caroline, said: "It's fantastic. He is sleeping like a baby. The bed arrived just two days before his birthday so it was the best present ever.
"We're both ecstatic. I can't believe how wonderful Wendy has been. We've swapped numbers and we're going to keep in touch"
Mark has also been contacted by a sportswear company, which is making him shoes to fit his size 19 feet.
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Weather for Wakefield
Friday 25 May 2012
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