Mark’s Mission was set up by friends – Andrew Nicholson, Derek Middlemiss and Mark Monaghan – with a shared love of rugby, following the devastating news that Mark had stage four glioblastoma, an incurable brain tumour.
Following his diagnosis in April 2024, Mark had two different rounds of chemotherapy and a major seven and a half hour operation to remove most of one of his tumours. Unfortunately, as is the nature of this cruel disease, his tumours have all grown back bigger.
Sadly, Mark who turned 55 in October 2024, is coming to terms with the news that almost everyone with this type of tumour loses their battle very quickly.
Mark’s Mission
Mark’s Mission aims to raise £100,000 for the Brian Tumour Charity, the world’s leading research-led brain tumour charity. They plan to do this through a series of ongoing fundraising events.
For nearly 30 years the three friends have been meeting weekly for a regular catch-up and drinks, sharing trips to the rugby – as they are all supporters of the Northampton Saints. They’ve also taken part in many bike rides together over the years, for local charities such as Cynthia Spencer and Cransley Hospice, as well as some that would be classed as a bit more of an endurance test including Ride London and London Night Rider.
Given their shared passions, when thinking of a suitable signature event for Mark’s Mission, Andrew formulated a plan to encompass some of the things they love and so the ‘DADs’ Cycle Challenge was born.
The Challenge Route
This challenge is planned for May 2025 and will see Andrew, Derek and Andrew’s brother Duncan (the DADs) taking on the enormous task of cycling nearly 900 miles in just over eight days. An epic journey to visit every Premiership rugby ground starting at the home of Newcastle Falcons, Kingston Park, on 9 May.
The route then takes the DADs to Sale in Manchester, to Gloucester, Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Twickenham (home of the Harlequins), Hendon (home of the Saracens) and Leicester (home of the Tigers). It will end at the home of Northampton Saints, Cinch Stadium Franklins Gardens, on the 17 May – hopefully in time for kick-off when the Saints play the Saracens in their last home game of the season.
To get proceedings underway, the team hosted an official launch party for Mark’s Mission and the ‘DADs’ cycle ride, on 1 March at the Queen of Hearts pub in Daventry, where people went along to show their support, find out more about Mark’s Mission, make donations and enjoy food and music laid on by Marstons and DJ Mike.
During the event Andrew spoke passionately about the purpose of the Mission, the challenge that he, Derek and Duncan will be undertaking and asked people to dig deep to help such a worthy cause.
Liam MacKinder, Community Fundraising Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, also went along and talked about the ground-breaking research work that funds raised would help towards and the charity’s vision for people diagnosed with brain tumours to live longer and better lives.
The speeches ended with Katie, Mark’s daughter, giving a moving speech about her Dad and singing a medley of songs for him.
The Training
With the start line just over two months away, the team have been out on the roads, building their strength, fitness levels and stamina ready for the gruelling challenge ahead.
As the challenge gets ever closer Andrew says: “We are forever grateful for all those who have supported us so far, but I have to highlight the help we have received from our partners: Leisure Lakes Bikes, Northampton Saints and The Northampton Saints Foundation, Tollers, Moulton College, Shell UK and of course The Brain Tumour Charity. Without their help and support we could not even get to the start line”.
You can find out more about Mark’s Mission by visiting the website: