Lancashire fundraiser takes on four nations challenge
A public health expert and North West Cancer Research charity trustee from Mawdesley will take on a mammoth 360-mile endurance challenge which will see him cross four countries.
Mark Haig, 59, will paddle and cycle through Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland to raise money for leading local charity, North West Cancer Research.
Inspired by his own personal experience with cancer, Mark aims to raise £2,000 for the charity to help fund lifesaving cancer research in Lancaster and the North West.
Mark will start his challenge on May 14th taking on a four-day sail in a two-man canoe paddling across the Glen Coe Trail in Scotland, with his friend and business partner Mike Parker.
Mike will also be raising funds for his chosen charity Wigan Rugby Union junior team who he regularly coaches.
Covering 60 miles, the course connects Inverness with Fort William and offers a challenging way to take in some of Scotland’s most breath-taking scenery via the water.
On July 4th, Mark will then cover the remaining three nations on two wheels, as he joins a peloton of fundraisers on North West Cancer Research’s Cycle of Hope challenge.
The 300mile challenge, will see cyclists ride across England, Wales and Ireland, over four days. It will be the second time that Mark, who is a keen cyclist, has taken on the Cycle of Hope and last year he helped raise more that £35,000 for the charity.
Mark said: “After completing last year’s Cycle of Hope and enjoying it so much, I was certain I would do it again this year, and what better way than combining it with the Glen Canoe Trail.
“I’ve seen first hand the huge impact cancer research has on treating and diagnosing cancer and I’m very passionate about helping this cause.
“Mike and I have been talking about taking on the trail for many years now, and what better time to do it, when fundraising for cancer research. Without forgetting the main reason we’re embarking on this challenge, we are both really looking forward to completing the journey and putting ourselves to the test.”
The money raised by Mark will contribute towards life-saving cancer research across the region, including the work undertaken at Lancaster University.
North West Cancer Research currently funds £1.5 million worth of research at the University, as part of its commitment to fund research which will help tackle rising cancer rates in the region.
Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “Mark has been a valued trustee of the charity since 2016 and never shies away from getting involved in our fundraising events.
“Last year was the first year of Cycle of Hope and Mark, along with the other cyclists did an amazing job of cycling 300-miles and raising such an impressive amount for cancer research. This year Mark is taking it a step further by combining it with the canoeing challenge.
“We wish both Mark and Mike the best of luck on completing the trail, and I look forward to seeing Mark in the summer at this years Cycle of Hope.”
Cycle of Hope will take place between July 4th and July 7th and entry to join this year’s riders is now open. Entry costs £120 per person.
North West Cancer Research will provide continued support including a training plan and fundraising advice in preparation for the event. All money raised will contribute to further funding for life-saving research across the region.
To support Mark in his four nations challenge, donations can be made via his Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-haig2