A BIG Brother star is begging fans for £3,500 in donations as a “social experiment” as he says “I’m sick of working myself to death.”
The reality star, 51, was working as a window fitter and living with his mother when he entered the famous Big Brother house.
Marcus Akin aka The Dark Horse from Brentford survived 13 weeks in Big Brother series 10.
At the time, he was hailed by many as possibly the greatest housemate in the show’s 10 year history.
Constantly swearing, speaking his mind, and challenging BB bosses with escape attempts, and plotting – it was compulsive viewing.
After his eviction Marcus had bit parts in two zombie movies, Zombie Hood and Zombies From Ireland .
But now the reality star has taken to GoFundMe in what he calls a social experiment as he begs for money.
Marcus wrote: “Hello friends. I’ll get right down to it. I’m giving this a shot as there’s no other way I’m going to get things done.
“It’s multi-layered, so please bear with me. The most important part for me is getting money to pay for all the private medical care I need. More about that later.
“Now, I’m sick and tired of working myself to death with nothing to show for it. I’m sick of being taxed into poverty.
“Sick of seeing bad people (mostly the political class) live an easy life whilst I and everyone I know struggles.”
“I saw on social media that a guy made a crowdfund asking for £1 and it went viral. I am doing the same, but this one is a bit different.”
He explained that he will index and catalogue all information volunteered with each donation for public interest and that he’d love to see how much he would get taxed/ charged by the powers that be who just love to keep a good man down.
He continued: “Now a bit more about me. I am 51 years old and I think I am nearing the end of my working life.
“Sadly I have many medical conditions, and the NHS has basically told me I’m not getting any help from them. My conditions read like a laundry list.”
Marcus then listed his conditions including sciatica, stage 2 hernia and two degenerated lumbar discs.
Big Brother winners from over the years
Since launching in 2000, reality TV juggernaut Big Brother has crowned several champions over the years. Let's take a look back at some of them.
Series 1 – Craig Phillips
Series 2 – Brian Dowling
Series 3 – Kate Lawler
Series 4 – Cameron Stout
Series 5 – Nadia Almada
Series 6 – Anthony Hutton
Series 7 – Pete Bennett
Series 8 – Brian Belo
Series 9 – Rachel Rice
Series 10 – Sophie Reade
Series 11 – Josie Gibson
Series 12 – Aaron Allard-Morgan
Series 13 – Luke Anderson
Series 14 – Sam Evans
Series 15 – Helen Wood
Series 16 – Chloe Wilburn
Series 17 – Jason Burrill
Series 18 – Isabelle Warburton
Series 19 – Cameron Cole
Series 20 – Jordan Sangha
He continued: “I have been on the waiting list for actual treatment (an operation, rather than injections that do not work) for over 7 years now.
“As part of the experiment I must now conclude that the bean counters who run the NHS do not think I am worthy of treatment.
“I’m pretty sure given the current climate that I would not receive any benefits should I not be able to work, besides it not being in my character to even ask.
“I’d use any money raised to pay for my private operations but they aren’t cheap. The main procedures come to around £37,000, but more on top of that for the undiagnosed treatments.
“Despite my ailments, I have only taken time off work when I have had operations (lumbar injections that did not work in 2024, and a gastronemeus release last Christmas).
Marcus also revealed: “I have already spent over £10,000 on private treatments and Doctor prescribed gadgets that are obviously scams to get the NHS to save money.
He then explained he wants to go private before there is nothing left to save and explains how he has helped people who need it for the last nine years.
Marcus ends his statement by saying: “Finally, it might seem as though I hate the NHS. I do not. I simply hate the heartless management class that take all the money when it should go to the hardworking Doctors and nurses. The real heroes.
“Thank you everyone. Let’s see where this goes.”
A Big Brother fan posted an image of Marcus’ GoFundMe page on Reddit and said: “If only he would start a patreon reviewing his series, or giving behind behind the scenes points of view.
“I’d happily subscribe and pay a few quid a month for that. I’ve just been watching his series which is what made me want to check what he was up to, and saw the sad sight of his twitter just begging alt right pipeline sorts for help.”
Another fan commented: “I hope he gets better but writing you’re above applying for benefits when you’re in a position of clearly needing them is a wild take to me.
“And to label it as an “experiment”, is he trying to lean into the big brother social experiment thing?”
While a third said: “Absolutely! I wonder how much of it is his pride? He wants to ask for help/ money, but is trying to angle it as an experiment so he doesn’t come across desperate or weak?
“I genuinely hope he gets better, and genuinely would join a patreon if he set one up, as I think he would have a really good eye for the kind of nostalgia/bts content fans would want.”
“It’s crazy that tax payers don’t realise how government funding streams work.
“There’s a welfare/benefits pot whether you claim it or not. But what’s the point of paying tax if you can’t utilise funding if/when you need it? He seems like a self pitying waster anyway,” said another.
