Dad completes Lands End to John O'Groats ride for East Liverpool RDA

After participating in some 'coast to coast' bike rides, Mark Smith wanted to take on a long-distance event after hitting the milestone of turning 50.

Agreeing to take part in the 'Babble Ride Across Britain', which saw 800 other riders cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats over nine days, the "amazing" dad-of-two completed the 980 mile challenge in aid of the East Liverpool Riding for the Disabled group.

Opening in Rainhill just months before the pandemic, the East Liverpool RDA offers horse riding programmes for children with disabilities and social meet-ups for vulnerable or isolated adults, but the centre has struggled with running costs of around £100,00 per year.

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Mark cycled 980 miles over nine days (Image: Mark Smith) Mark, from Ormskirk, said: "The East Liverpool RDA is a big, big part of our routine, and we have been really lucky to get a space for our daughters because there is a lack of similar provision and often long waiting lists.

"Our daughters are six and seven and have learning difficulties, but they are the apple of our eyes. We see what they can do, rather than what they can't.

"The horse riding sessions have been really positive for them over the past few years, and Natalie and the team are absolutely brilliant with them, it's hard to quantify just how good they are with the kids.

"I was stunned at the running costs for the charity, and they often struggle to attract other sponsors and donations, so I'm really pleased that I did this for them."

Mark raised more than £3000 for the East Liverpool RDA (Image: Mark Smith) Although Mark "hated asking for money" in the current climate, he set a modest target to raise £980 from the bike ride - a pound for each mile - but smashed through this to raise more than £3,000.

Mark, who works in hospitality at Liverpool Football Club, added: "I didn't think I was going to be able to complete the challenge at first, but you get help from people transporting your luggage, and bit by bit, you realise you can push yourself to do it.

"I'm really proud to have completed the 980 miles but even more so at the response I have had from the fundraising. It's amazing and I'm so glad that one of the consequences of this has been to raise the profile of the East Liverpool RDA a bit further."

Following the completion of Mark's challenge, Natalie , founder of the horse riding group, said: "Mark has done it! 980 miles cycled in nine days! Land's End to John O'Groats! Please donate if you can, what a huge achievement! Mark you are simply amazing! Thank you so so much!."

To congratulate Mark on his efforts and help raise money for the East Liverpool RDA, you can donate here.