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Day Nine
So after a hard 8 days of cycling the DADs can almost touch the finish line. All that is left ahead of them is a short (just under 40 miles) ride from Leicester to Northampton to complete the challenge. So to ensure they got to Franklins Gardens in time they set off bright and early from Leicester in the early morning cold. After a couple of brief stops to pick up a couple of support riders they rolled into the home of Northampton Saints bang on 12 midday to a warm welcome from friends and family. In addition they were cheered home by their local MP Stuart Andrew who had taken time out to welcome the DADs back home, thank you Stuart. So having arrived home all that was left was to say hello to loved ones and to sit back and enjoy the rugby.
But most importantly it was to say hi to Mark and remember why we had done this in the first place – let’s all pull together an find a cure for this horrific cancer.
Day Eight
Having survived rush hour traffic in London the previous evening the DAD’s set off from North London to cycle all the way to Leicester (another 100 miles). The journey was punctuated with some emotional stops in Northamptonshire where the team had friends and family coming along to give encouragement for the final push to complete the challenge. After another long day in the saddle the DAD’s made it to Welford Road, home of Leicester Tigers where they were warmly welcomed by Terri Love. After the (by now) ritual photographs at the ground and on the pitch, the team dusted themselves down and were treated to a last night dinner courtesy of Leicester. A fantastic meal, shared together, which captured the team spirit that has been clear throughout this journey. A fabulous end to a long day and to a long week.
Day Seven
The DADs set off bright and early from Amesbury with another 100 miles ahead of them. But today was one of the special days on this challenge. The first stop after 80 miles was at Twickenham to pay respects to Mark’s Brick which is a permanent fixture at the home of English rugby. It was very emotional and the DAD’s did their best to give the brick a guard of honour using their cycling shoes. Mark’s Brick is right outside the Lion Gate which is now known as the Rose & Poppy Gates which is a tribute to our armed forces, most appropriate given that Mark served his country for 10 years in the Royal Navy and is a very proud Englishman. From there it was a short ride to Harlequins where we were greeted by Andy Carpenter and team at Quins Foundation. What a welcome we got at The Stoop. Finally the DAD’s took their lives in their hands and made the perilous journey across London in rush hour to get to The StoneX stadium, home of Saracens. Having gone wrong and made an unscheduled detour of 8 miles they finally arrived to be warmly welcomed by Richard Symonds., who gave them a great tour of the stadium and the museum. A great end to a very long day. So now its rest and recover ahead of Day 8 which will take them all the way to Leicester.
Day Six
As the DAD’s set off from Exeter this morning they knew that what lay ahead was the hardest day of the challenge, 100 miles with multiple climbs totalling over 7000 ft, not a day for the faint hearted. Add to that very warm temperatures and a head wind and it was expected to be tough going all day. Well the day didn’t disappoint from a “tough” standpoint, but there were highlights. First pit stop was in Tesco’s car park in Axminster and a gentleman walking his dog, enquired about what we were doing and donated £30. Lunch was take at the Royal Oak on Stoford where we were warmly welcomed, with ice cream and drinks. Not only this but customers and staff alike all donated. Finally after a gruelling day, we arrived at our final destination in Amesbury and the local Shell station was out in force to welcome us with drinks and pastries. So a tough day just getting miles under our belt on the way to London, but none the less enjoyable because of all the support.
Day Five
Today was always going to be tough some serious climbs over the Mendip Hills on the way from Bath to Exeter. With the DADs already starting to look tired (this is not the best departure photograph we have posed for, they were not disappointed with the biggest challenges so far on the route, but they all coped and after a long day in the saddle arrived safely in Exeter. The highlight of the day was when Andrew and Duncan stopped for a photo of the magnificent Wells Cathedral a lady asked what we were doing and having heard the brief story of Mark’s Mission handed over a £10 donation. The public are fantastic. But now a good nights rest ahead of day 6.
Day Four
A busy day ahead of the DADs as they headed off from Bromsgrove. Visits planned for Gloucester, Bristol and Bath. Around lunchtime they rolled into Gloucester where they were warmly welcome Rob Webber from the Gloucester foundation and also some of the Gloucester squad who stopped by to see how we are getting along. After a live interview on BBC radio Northampton the DADs set off for Bristol and following an hours delay for mechanical reasons they made it to Bristol where they were looked after by Michale Long. Andrew was presented with a bears rugby ball and the DADs wished Bristol all the best for the rest of the season. Having had a rest it was on to the final location Bath where Lynne Fernquest from the Bath foundation, and her team made us all welcome. But that was not the end, the team were delighted to be met by Alan Beddie and crew from Thomas Franks who had come down to feed us. A really lovely end to a long day.
Day Three
The DAD’s set of this morning from Sale Rugby Stadium, where they had finished day 2, with a long day in the saddle ahead of them. It was estimated that there could be around 110 miles of cycling if everything went according to plan and any route mistakes would just increase the total for the day. It must be said that it is very interesting following a Garmin bike friendly route as you get to cycle along towpaths and trails which really are not meant for road bikes. The banging and shaking that the bikes had to put up with has caused a few technical issues but thanks to the fantastic support of Leisure Lakes, all the bikes are all still working, but a couple have had to be rushed into the shops for emergency repairs. So the route took us down to Bromsgrove and on the way we called in at Dave Wakelin’s home where he and two of Duncan’s Closest friends were there to greet us. The Support team of Chris, Karen, Holly and Emily arrived before and were treated to a lovely BBQ, so thanks to Dave and Theresa for making us so welcome. It was then just a short 18 mile run to the Travelodge at Bromsgrove for a well earned shower and rest ahead of a busy day 4.
‘Good luck’ message from Lewis Moody, retired English rugby player who played for Leicester and Bath and whose career included 71 Caps for England and the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.
Day Two
The Dad’s set off from the Hotel in Leeds this morning with another long day ahead, a day that was going to be tricky as they had to cross the Pennines. But due to some clever map reading and some minor changes they managed to cycle around most of the lumpy climbs. There were still two or three lung bursters on the route, but these tricky moments were helped by little treats along the way. The biggest treat being an unscheduled stop at MAMIL café in Brighouse, a great place, and we were made to feel so welcome (If you are ever in the area their homemade Bakewell slices are to die for). After a long day we finished at Sale Sharks ground where we were greeted by a work colleague of Mark, Gordon Anderson. So its off to the hotel, food and bed ready for another long day in the saddle tomorrow.
Day One
Pictured are the DAD’s on the start line at Newcastle Falcons Rugby Stadium with Mark and Debs. Big thank you to Newcastle and the foundation there. They welcomed us and opened up so we could get a really great send off. Newcastle Falcons showed what a top Club they are and having that support was just what the team needed at the start of this massive 9 Day challenge.
Pleased to report that the DAD’s set off and after a long day in the saddle (of well over 100 miles) they have made it safely to their first overnight in Leeds. Tomorrow they ride around the Pennines to finish at Sale Sharks Rugby at the Community Stadium Salford. Look out for an update on their progress.
Final Week Push
There are only a few days to go and Andrew & Duncan are heading out on the final training ride before the challenge starts on 9th May. Please follow progress here on the website and also on social media, Facebook, X and Instagram. There is a schedule on the route page which sets out our start and finish point each day along with our rest stops. So if anyone wants to pop along and say hi we will be really pleased to see you.
10 Days to Go
Only 10 days until the DAD’s set off on their mammoth task to cycle to every Premiership rugby ground in England. So taking advantage of the good weather they are out and about training together.
Two Weeks To Go!
So it is just two weeks before the DAD’s are waved off from Newcastle Falcons rugby ground and they set off on their huge challenge to cycle to every Premiership ground in the country as well as taking time to stop off at Twickenham. To wish them luck and to speed them on their way the Mark’s Mission Team had a little party at The Queen of Hearts on Friday 25 th April. Not only was it an occasion to wish the cyclists all the best but also a belated St George’s Day celebration in honour of Mark, who is a very proud Englishman.
Many thanks to Pete Dunn, Sophie and all the team at The Queen of Hearts who hosted us and looked after us so well. They have been amazing with their support and last night either directly or through contributions straight to the Just Giving page we collected another £650. Directly and Indirectly at events and other fund raising in the pub they have contributed so far nearly £4000 which is fantastic, and they still have the bucket son the bar so there is a little bit more to come.
Thanks also go to DJ Mike for entertaining us throughout the evening and thank you to the wider team who were there to support and to collect the money from everyone who turned up. And that is where the final biggest thank you goes – to everyone who came along and contributed, thank you so much you are all helping to make a massive difference. The pictures show the DAD’s with their physios, Emily and Holly in front of DJ Mike and
some of the team working collecting in your donations.
05.04.25
34 Days to go and the DADs met up with Mark outside Leisure Lakes for some official photographs. Many thanks to Lightdraw Photography – www.lightdraw.com who are the official portrait photographers for Mark’s Missions who worked their magic once again. Having finished with all the formalities and with pictures safely stored by Lightdraw, the DADs set of for an early morning training run. The weather was kind but with a stiff wind it still felt pretty chilly.
Good News Friday 4th April 2025
Today the Glasgow branch of WPH Telecoms Ltd (Mark’s employers) held a coffee morning at which they sold cakes, food from a BBQ, played games and held a massive raffle. All of the items were either made or donated by Mark’s work colleagues.
The great news is that thanks to their efforts we have added a massive £1,205 to the running total, which takes us over the £10,000 barrier and this is before any gift aid, for individual donations, is added to the pot.
Many, many thanks to Elaine Monger (chief organiser) and Paul MacPherson for all the hard work and effort that went in to today and thank you to all Mark’s Colleagues and their friends for buying everything and raising such a fantastic amount for Mark’s Mission.
Mark’s Mission – Launch Party 1st March 2025
Just a huge, huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the launch party on Saturday night at The Queen of Hearts. An amazing night and a great way to officially announce what we are doing and why, even though we have been planning and working for months.
There are a lot of individual thanks to give, so in no particular order here goes:
To all those who are part of the wider Mark’s Mission team, thank you for all your hard work on Saturday, what a great night – well done.
To Pete Dunn and all the team at the Queen of Hearts, thank you for letting us hold the party at your place and thank you for all the hard work that helped make the evening a success.
To Liam Mackinder from the Brain Tumour Charity, thank you for coming for the entire evening, for helping and joining in so fully. Please also thank the Charity for all its support so far.
To Mike Easom who mixed all the tunes on the night and gave up his normal DJ fee so that we could benefit more. He is also part of the Mark’s Mission team but deserves a special mention.
To Lewis, Katies partner who was the official photographer for the night and was always there with his camera whenever you looked up.
But mostly thank you to all who came along, joined in the fun and gave so generously on the night. Thanks to you all our gross collection from the evening was £2,150.11, which after some minor costs for the buffet and card charges means the Charity will benefit by an additional £2,080. This total includes the cash taken, the card machine takings and the direct donations on the Just Giving page. We will add to that total once we receive a further donation from Marston’s.
We are well on our way to raising the much needed funds for research into Brain Tumours. Keep following and keep telling everyone about Mark’s Mission.
Sunday 23rd February
Andrew was back at Leisure Lakes on Sunday to meet up with Scott (the one with the coffee) and Matt, who have been putting together the details of the route that our three cyclists (also now known as the ‘DADs’ – see earlier news) will take to cycle to every Premiership rugby ground in the country. As you can imagine to coordinate the exact route takes a lot and we are forever grateful for the team at Leisure Lakes for taking the time to do this for us.
But as you can see Andrew is a bit concerned about the current route, which is shown in the 2nd picture. Having spoken to Matt and to Scott it appears this time that the computer is wrong, the route we are looking at takes our intrepid cyclists straight through the middle of the Yorkshire Dales on day 1 which means climbing some pretty steep hills. Now this may be great for a seasoned cycling professional but for our guys something a little less hilly is to be encouraged.
So Matt and Scott are working on a slightly longer but less hilly route. We will still be doing nearly 900 miles in nine days but we won’t be tackling category 1 climbs like the professionals do in the Tour of Britain. That said there will still be some pretty big hills for us to get over along the way.
Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will publish the definitive final route on the website and we encourage you all to check to see where we will be and when. Once the route is final we will have a small moving graphic that will show you were our cyclists are and hopefully everyone can come out and cheer them on as they undertake this great challenge.
So please check back in with us on a regular basis and tell everyone about this and lets make a difference and make people aware.
Update – All the Gear…
On Sunday 16 th February our intrepid cycling trio ‘Marks Cyclists’ also known as the ‘DADs’, Derek, Andrew and Duncan headed back to Leisure Lakes in Daventry to have their bike and shoe fittings. The team went to meet with Matt Gibbs from the Leisure Lakes team, who fitted each bike to its respective rider, whilst also checking their cleats and shoes.
The team will be back at Leisure Lakes later this week when their bikes will be ready to collect, once Matt has had the opportunity to programme their individual Garmin route planners with the finalised ‘Challenge’ Route. Once the team pick up their bikes they will be able to get out on the road and build on the training they have already started, whilst getting to grips with their new Merida Endurance Road Bikes. Thanks to Matt, Iain and all the team at Leisure Lakes for all of their support, without their generosity the team would not be able to complete their challenge.
With the start line just over 3 months away, the team are determined to get out on the road and build their strength, fitness levels and stamina ready for the gruelling 9-day challenge to visit every English Premiership Rugby ground. They want to raise as much money as they can in order that vital research can take place into this lesser known cancer. If you would like to show your support you can make a donation here … and help the team …
“To raise the funds to find the cause and ultimately the cure for this incurable cancer”
Check back for regular updates on the team’s progress as they prepare to take on this enormous challenge and to follow them once it begins.
January 23rd,
The challenge just became a little more real today. Iain Noy, Chief Executive of Leisure Lakes hands over to Andrew Nicholson the bikes that Andrew, Duncan and Derek will ride on when they tackle the 890 miles around all the Premiership rugby clubs in England. The generosity of Leisure lakes and their suppliers is very much appreciated. Not only have the given us bikes but we also have clothing, shoes, Garmin route planners, Helmets, nutrition and all the equipment needed to keep our bikes working while we ride. Some of this clothing and equipment is shown in the other pictures. It’s generosity and help like this that will enable us complete the challenge ahead. Many thanks to Iain and everyone at Leisure Lakes.
Kicking Off 2025 with Dedication and Determination!
Andrew Nicholson and Derek Middlemiss braved the elements for their first outdoor ride of the year! With temperatures hovering around a frosty 1°C, these incredible riders showed their commitment to supporting Mark and our mission to fight brain cancer.
This ride isn’t just about the miles—they’re riding for something bigger: supporting Mark and the mission to help those affected by brain cancer.
What lies ahead may be tough, but it’s moments like these that remind us of the power of perseverance and community.
Here’s to Andrew, Derek, and everyone who continues to take steps—no matter how small or cold—toward hope and change.
#CyclingWithHeart #BrainCancerAwareness #SupportMark #Mark’sMission
Update: 9th January
Today, Mark is continuing his journey with incredible strength and positivity as he undergoes his latest round of chemotherapy. His resilience inspires us all, reminding us of the importance of standing together in the fight against brain cancer.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Mark and others like him—your generosity and kindness make a world of difference. Together, we can continue to bring hope and aid to those battling this challenging condition.
#StayStrong #BrainCancerAwareness #SupportMark #Mark’sMission
