My name is Mark Clougherty and i am an injured veteran who served over 12 years in the British armed forces. As a result of my service, over the past 15 years i have endured a number of debilitating conditions and illnesses both physically and mentally. I have a condition called Complex Regional Pain syndrome (CRPS) which effects my nervous system especially pertaining to my legs. I also suffer from complex PTSD relating to my tour of Iraq and being diagnosed with cancer. I have always loved sport and have been a keen sports man my whole life especially, football however, due to my conditions it has restricted my involvement which has lead me to adaptive sports, in particular hand cycling. In July/August 2021, I will be re-attempting an official world record for the fastest journey across Ireland on a hand bike, from Mizen Head to Malin Head. I am hoping to complete this 595 km cycle in under 4 days. Whilst attempting this I am hoping to raise money for 4 charities extremely close to my heart, Cancer research UK, Help For Heroes, Shrapnel and SPORTS ( a local Northern Ireland mental health charity). Without the charities I would not be making the start line of this challenge.
This challenge is extremely important to me and my recovery journey and would be a great way to prove to others going through similar difficulties that no matter how bad things can be, sport can be a great tool in moving forward.