I’m Mark, one of the doctors working at St Luke's Hospice. I have had the privilege of working there for over ten years.

The Hospice receives less than 20% of its funding from the NHS. Our work is only made possible by the dedication of all the amazing Hospice fundraisers who, together, raise a staggering 80% of our costs.

All the staff I have the pleasure of working alongside make a difference by caring for and supporting our patients, their families, and their friends. I very much appreciated their care on a personal level when they made a big difference supporting my late father-in-law, Mr Allan Scholes, who was in the hospice for a number of weeks towards the end of his life.

This challenge, and hopefully the funds raised, is my thanks to the Hospice for all that it does for our community. I was hoping to complete the longer ride but a recent heart attack means I need to be sensible. Nevertheless, I feel that a little discomfort on my 50-mile ride is nothing compared to what some of the patients I've had the pleasure of caring for have been through.

Thank you so much from everyone at St Luke’s Hospice for your sponsorship support and making the Salt Line Cycle challenge so worthwhile.