Taking on a staggering 1,400 miles, Marcus Watson, director of Ground Control, will be cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats – whilst visiting the four corners of Great Britain on his way – all in aid of raising money for Alzheimer’s Society.
The zig-zag journey, commencing on 10 April 2022, will start at Land’s End in the southwest of Cornwall and continue on to Lowestoft Ness Point in the east, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse in the west, reaching the most northerly point of Britain, Dunnet Head, and finishing at John O’ Groats in the far north of Scotland.
Sadly, four people in Marcus’ family have had or are living with dementia. He said: “Dementia has become the UK’s biggest killer. Today, around 850,000 people have it, and someone develops it every three minutes. Currently there is no cure and unlike many other illnesses, dementia robs people of their memories and their loved ones.”
He continued: “Until the day a cure is found, Alzheimer’s Society will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted.”
Cycling solo and unsupported, Marcus will spend a long eight hours in the saddle covering 60 miles every day. His journey across Great Britain will take 30 days.
Training time out in the countrysideTo put the 1,400-mile route in perspective, this large distance is equivalent to cycling from Dover to Tangier in Morocco.
Marcus said: “The route is certainly going to be challenging, but I am excited for the experience and looking forward to seeing the variety of countryside we have in Britain. We live in a beautiful country, and there are so many wonderful things to see and experience.”
In 2019, Marcus cycled 950 miles for children’s cancer charity, Young Lives vs. cancer, and raised a whopping £7,000. Now, taking on everything he can from this experience, Marcus explained he is feeling better prepared this year with longer training hours, “and, I’ve got a better bike!”
In addition, Marcus mentioned there is a secondary purpose he hopes the challenge will call attention to. He explained: “I care deeply about making sure we look after the environment, and I hope the ride will highlight the option of choosing sustainable transport. It definitely isn’t impossible, and if I can do it, anyone can.”
Marcus hopes to raise as much money as possible for Alzheimer’s Society.
To support Marcus and donate, please visit the fundraising page here: Marcus Watson is fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society (justgiving.com) And to watch his journey progress, see his twitter here: Marcus Watson (@MDrWatson) / Twitter
