Football fan tells how support group helps him cope with illness

Mark Taylor, a regular attendee at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s (BRCT) Men in Sheds programme was sharing his story as part of National Epilepsy Week which ran from May 22 to May 28.

The Men in Sheds programme is run in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council on a weekly basis, every Thursday morning at Ewood Park. The aim of the programme is to encourage men to discuss their mental health and develop new skills in a safe and welcoming environment.

Mark said: “I love the Men in Sheds programme.

“I was one of the first ones to join with Ross, about four years ago. I’m coming out a lot more and with Men in Sheds, it’s the interaction, we’re all like a big family.

 “We do a variety of different activities such as gardening, landscaping, painting, and decorating. We have also participated in important community events such as the suicide prevention walk from Blackburn Town Hall to Darwen Town Hall.”

Mark’s profession meant he spent countless weeks and hours on the road travelling across Europe for many years.

However, in 2018, Mark fell ill and had to finish work, resulting in a complete lifestyle change which had a big impact on his mental health. 

He said: “Five years ago, I was taken seriously ill, and I was having seizures and blackouts. 

“I was in hospital for seven weeks. I went back to work but soon enough I was back in hospital. I went to see a neurologist to determine what type of seizures I was having.

“I was a long-distance lorry driver, but unfortunately, I didn’t feel safe to drive anymore so I voluntarily surrendered my HGV and car driving license.

“I have travelled all over Europe and Scandinavia with work. I found it very hard as I was always out driving, and I lost the use of my legs, and my independence.

“I now have a powerchair and Men in Sheds and other programmes at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust have really helped me. 

“It’s great that the club is so community focused, it makes me proud to be a Blackburn Rovers supporter.

“We are one big happy family. We’re a group of men and what is said in confidence stays that way and Men in Sheds has helped me in a lot of ways.”

The Epilepsy Society is leading National Epilepsy Week, working with similar charities across the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of epilepsy.

Ilyas Patel, the BRCT Men in Sheds Lead said: “Mark has been part of the Men in Sheds group since its inception and he has come a long way since we first met.

“He suffers from various mental health and illness issues, but he always tries to have a smile on his face even when he Is not in a good place.

“The difference now is that Mark used to go silent and stay away to deal with his issues, now he accepts he is struggling and asks for help.

“Mark will always support anyone who needs help, and he will go above and beyond to make sure he can support them.

“The Men in Sheds group are aware of Mark’s health, and they will always look out for him. We are one big family.”