ISA Rockhampton organising two sports events to raise funds for Briggs family

Doctors unable to find a cause for symptoms that have father-of-four fighting for his life in Rockhampton ICU.

Mark Briggs in the intensive care unit of the Rockhampton Hospital.

The ISA Rockhampton family is coming together to support one of their own.

It will host two fundraising events for Mark Briggs, who is critically ill in the intensive care unit of the Rockhampton Hospital.

The popular father-of-four has spent the past four weeks in hospital, three of them in ICUs at Rockhampton and Brisbane hospitals.

Despite a raft of tests, doctors have been unable to find the cause of his life-threatening symptoms.

The community is rallying to help Mark and his family.

A mycause site set up by a friend in Cairns has raised more than $13,000.

Closer to home, and the ISA is organising two social fundraising events - a Fast 5 netball and a Thundering 3s beach volleyball competition - to be held on Friday, August 6.

A keen beach volleyballer, Mark is a familiar face at the North Rockhampton indoor sports centre, as are his wife Sam and their two children.

ISA sports co-ordinator Amanda Hill said the ISA was keen to do what it could to help.

“Mark has been a huge part of the centre for many, many years,” she said.

“We thought these events would be a quick and easy way to get some dollars together for him and his family, and we will incorporate other fundraising activities throughout the night.”

Amanda described Mark as a “larger than life character” with a keen sense of humour, who loved his Broncos and his fishing.

“He’s one of the most genuine, down-to-earth guys you would ever meet,” she said.

“He’d give you the shirt off his back.

“If anyone else was in the position he’s in now, he would be the first one there to help so we want to do it for him and his family.”

More details on next month’s fundraisers can be found on the ISA Facebook page.