A local motorcyclist is preparing to undertake an epic 1,000-mile endurance ride in just 24 hours to raise money for Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury.
On Saturday, August 1st, Mark Towler will ride 1,000 miles in a single day. He will be setting off from his home in Dukinfield at 2am, heading north overnight for several fuel and rest stops in Scotland, before heading back via the Woodhead Pass.
Towler will finish his epic ride at his local watering hole, Jack’s Bar in Hyde, where supporters are looking forward to celebrating his incredible achievement. After 24 hours on the road, Mark is expected to cross the finish line outside the bar, where friends, family, and fellow bikers will be waiting to give him a hero's welcome home.
Towler, who has undertaken previous fundraising work in support of children’s charities, came up with the idea just a few weeks before the endurance ride. However, despite the quick turnaround, he is hoping to raise £5,000; enough to fund a special bed for the hospice. Even if that lofty goal is not met, Mark has promised that 100% of donations will go directly to Francis House, with him paying for the cost of fuel, food, and bike maintenance himself.
Mark told the Tameside Reporter that the challenge has taken on even greater significance after his “biker brother”, Dave, was recently hospitalised for an operation on his spine, meaning this is one ride he will have to complete alone. Dave is having two spinal discs replaced with new 3D-printed titanium discs.
To prepare for the gruelling trip, Mark has been averaging 700 miles-per-week to build up his fitness and endurance levels. Mark, his wife Claudia, and Dave are all members of the Iron Butt Association (IBA).
Mark is determined to make every mile count for Francis House, which supports hundreds of families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across the whole of Greater Manchester. The charity relies heavily on donations to continue providing its vital care and support services, and needs over £5.8 million to be donated every year in order to survive.
Donations can be made through Mark’s JustGiving page in support of Francis House Children’s Hospice, and every single penny donated will be greatly received both my Mark and the Hospice itself
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