We’re riding 1000km to raise vital funds for MND charities and to celebrate the incredible life of Mark Smith.
29 April - 11 May 2024
‘Miles for Mark Smith’ is a bike ride to raise funds for MND research and to celebrate the incredible life of Mark Smith. We’re riding 1000km down the country through our own “M-N-D route” (Morpeth - Norfolk - Dorset) starting on Monday 29 April 2024 and finishing on Saturday 11 May 2024.
Apart from one, we’re a bunch of novices so this challenge won’t be “a ride in the park”… In fact, we’re all nervous about the saddle. However, this is nothing compared to what Mark and thousands of others have had to endure through MND. We lost Mark, (Husband, Dad, Grandad, Uncle, Brother, Friend, Colleague) far too early and we want to do all we can to prevent other families going through the same, horrendous experience.
Our aim is to raise £20,000 for two charities: MND Association and The Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre. All funds will support critical research to find a cure for MND, something Mark was so passionate about.
29 April —11 May 2024
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Morpeth (M)—Norfolk (N)—
Dorset(D)
The Route
The Route
The M-N-D route takes us down the country from Morpeth to Dorset, stopping at places associated with the MND community or that are significant to Mark and his family. (M) Morpeth through (N) Norfolk to (D) Dorset
In July 2022, Mark’s diagnosis was confirmed. MND is a cruel disease that robs you of your strength, making you a prisoner in your own body. There are 5500 people living with MND in the UK right now and at the moment there is no cure or hope of recovery. Mark’s symptoms started in 2021 with a weakening in his hands. As it became trickier to lift his Grandson Archie and to use a corkscrew we knew something was wrong.
Our charities
The funds we raise will support two incredible charities:
The MND Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those 5000 people living with or affected by MND in the UK.
The Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre. Researchers at the Oxford MND Centre are trying to understand the causes of MND, and how it could be effectively treated.
