Mark Arthur, one of LFE’s Directors and Chief Executive of Nottingham Forest FC, is swapping the boardroom for his bicycle today as he undertakes a gruelling cycling challenge all in the name of charity.
The 48-year-old and four friends are to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats for charity and they hope to complete the arduous 900-mile route in eight days.
Mark will be cycling in aid of the Danielle Beccan Memorial Trust set up in memory of a teenage girl tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Nottingham in 2004.
The Trust, Forest’s nominated charity for 2007, is aiming to set up a centre for performing arts and personal development in Nottingham.
Danielle’s mother Paula Platt said:
“We are extremely grateful for the support we have received so far from Nottingham Forest and their supporters. We’re delighted and honoured that Mark is going to such lengths to raise funds for the Trust and would like to wish him and his fellow cyclists the very best of luck.”
A keen cricketer and golfer, Mark is a newcomer to the world of cycling but is relishing the challenge.
“I’m fast approaching my 50th birthday and when someone mentioned the possibility of doing the Land’s End to John O’Groats ride it was a case of now or never.”
“I’ve been in training for six months now and have enjoyed it so much that I wish I had taken up cycling 30 years ago. It’s a great form of exercise and doesn’t put too much strain on joints like knees, which is important at my time of life.”
Mark will be joined on his ride by former professional cyclist Dave Miller, Pete Cook, Alasdair Morrison and Simon Christy.
The five are planning to launch their ride on Monday, 10th September from Land’s End and hope to arrive in John O’Groats the following Monday.
LFE would like to wish Mark the best of luck with his challenge and have made a donation to this worthy cause.