The friends and family of a man who died from motor neurone disease (MND) after receiving care in Oxford are set to cycle the length of England in his honour.
The team from Oxfordshire have pledged to pedal the entire country in memory of Mark Smith, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and colleague.
The group is undertaking the 'Miles For Mark Smith' journey to raise money and awareness for MND charities.
Mr Smith's daughter, Amy Smith, discussed the motivating force behind the endeavour.
She said: "We wanted to do something positive after Dad died.
"MND is such a devastating and cruel disease, without a cure or many treatment options.
"We want to help others avoid what Dad had to endure.
"Dad was always thinking of others, so it’s fitting that this bike ride will celebrate his life while raising vital funds to save lives by finding a cure for MND."
The route will begin in Morpeth, Northumberland, on April 29.
The cyclists will make stops in significant places to the MND community and Mr Smith including John Radcliffe Hospital, where Mr Smith was treated, and Leeds Rhinos rugby club known for their MND Association advocacy.
The team will also pass through Norfolk before finishing in Dorset on May 11.
The start, finish and middle locations of the journey have been chosen because they spell out MND.
Mr Smith lost his battle with the disease in August 2023, which inspired his family and friends, who are mostly cycling novices, to take on the challenge.
The team said they have been "training hard" ahead of the challenge and are "nervous but determined" to honour Mr Smith and pedal past the finish line together.
The challenge aims to support the discovery of a cure for MND by raising funds and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Oxford Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre.
The team has set a fundraising target of £20,000, and has already passed the £10,000 mark.
To support the team’s fundraising efforts visit Just Giving.
Dominic McDonough, the MND Association's regional fundraiser, said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to the team for taking on this amazing challenge.
"It will be such an incredible journey and we can’t wait to cheer them all the way.
"It will be a hard challenge but every penny they raise and every bit of awareness they raise will help us to help others. They truly are an inspiration."
To find out more visit the Miles For Mark Smith website.
For more information about MND and the MND Association visit the charity's website.
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