My name is Phoebe Kneebone, and I am a lifelong friend of Mark and Katrina Depledge and their beautiful family in Wallaroo on the Copper Coast, SA.

For the past six years, Mark has endured a journey no one should ever have to face. He has undergone eight surgeries on his right hand due to an extremely aggressive tumour that kept returning. Each time, more of his hand was taken, until the devastating moment when his entire hand had to be amputated.

Mark is a carpenter and builder by trade — but for him, it has always been more than just a job. It is part of who he is. He is a hands-on man in every sense of the word. An extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and mate. A man of integrity, generosity and quiet strength. If anyone needed help, Mark would be the first to show up without hesitation.

Now, Mark is the one who needs us.

We have had incredible news that Kylie Franson, National Program Manager from Limbs 4 Life, has stepped in to advocate for Mark. Through the NDIS, funding is being arranged for his prosthetic hand — something that will help him regain mobility, independence, and a sense of normality in his life.

This support is absolutely life-changing.

However, this fundraiser remains vital.

As many self-employed people know all too well — no work means no pay. While Mark recovers, rehabilitates and adjusts to life with a prosthetic, there are ongoing business expenses, wages, household commitments and out-of-pocket costs that don’t simply pause. The unknowns ahead are heavy enough without the added financial strain.

The funds raised will help ease that pressure — giving Mark and Katrina breathing space, peace of mind, and the ability to focus on recovery rather than worry.

*Fundraiser Update for Mark*

To every single person who has donated — thank you.

In just two days, we raised an incredible $8,310. It was overwhelming in the most beautiful way.

Our next milestone is $11,000. Imagine what we can achieve in the coming week if we keep sharing far and wide. Every share matters. Every conversation matters.

I spoke with Mark today 10/02/26 — he is absolutely blown away by the kindness and generosity being shown. He’s in good spirits, doing his best to stay positive… and yes, he mentioned he’s bored!

Update #1 - 09/02/26

Today we received our first incredible single donation of $500.

Out of the blue, I received a call from Kylie Franson (Fenwick) from Limbs 4 Life. Kylie grew up in Wallaroo and is now changing lives all over Australia. She understands the realities and adversities of living with disability and is fiercely passionate about ensuring people receive the very best support possible.

Kylie, you are truly our angel. How lucky are we to have you in Mark’s corner.

Update #2 - 10/02/26

This morning I also heard from the lovely Charmaine at GoFundMe Australia, who has offered to help raise visibility for Mark’s fundraiser. A journalist from The Advertiser has expressed interest in sharing Mark’s story — which could help us reach even more people.

Last night, I received a thoughtful message from Michele, a dear friend of Mark and Katrina’s. She reminded me that while the prosthetic is critical, many people also want to help support the business and ongoing costs during this time.

Mark is deeply respected in his trade — but more than that, he is genuinely loved. I believe wholeheartedly in paying it forward, in standing beside one another, and lifting each other up. Because none of us ever know when life will turn, and we may need that same support in return.

Update #3 – 12/02/26

Today, we were absolutely blown away by an incredibly generous single donation of $2,000. This brings our total to over $13,000……wow!

To the person who made this extraordinary contribution — thank you. Your kindness is making a real and immediate difference. Acts like this remind us just how powerful community truly is.

The love shown so far has truly overwhelmed the Depledge family.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for standing with them

UPDATE #4 - 26/02/26

We’re getting to the final days of Mark’s Fundraiser and have a whopping $18,570 at this stage. The Wallaroo Golf Club kindly donated $100 yesterday, so please keep sharing for a little longer, as my initial aim was $20,000 and would still like to reach that amount This has been a truly amazing fete by the community and you should all give yourselves a pat on

the back! Keep it going and see where we end up, I’m sure there’s more people out there that can dig deep - Thank you so much ☺️

UPDATE #5 – 28/02/26

We’re heading down the home straight

I was planning to close this fundraiser at midnight tonight, but after giving it some thought, I’ve decided to extend it a little longer. I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to dig deep if they haven’t already, or if they happened to miss the original date.

There are also a few loose ends to tidy up, including some additional cash donations that need to be collated, so we can all share in celebrating the final total together.

Thank you so much for your understanding, your generosity, and your continued support.

The new closing date will now be midnight, Saturday 7th March.

Let’s finish off strong