Thank you for visiting our page — and for taking a moment to read our story (we promise it’s shorter than a 980-mile bike ride 🚴‍♂️).

Mark was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in January 2024 — a rare and aggressive cancer affecting around 5,900 people in the UK each year. Not exactly the kind of club anyone wants to join.

After three operations to remove the tumour (it clearly didn’t take the hint the first time) and six weeks of intense radiotherapy, Mark is thankfully doing well. Now, he’s determined to turn all that stubborn energy into something positive by raising awareness of this little-known cancer and supporting Sarcoma UK.

Joining him on this slightly mad adventure is one of his best friends and fellow Vida Guitar Quartet member, Chris Stell. Together, they’ll be cycling — unsupported — over 980 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats. That’s the entire length of the UK, from the most southerly point to the most northerly… over 9 gruelling days. Yes, they have checked the map. Yes, it really is that far.

Chris has already gone the extra mile (quite literally), travelling 300-mile round trips to take Mark to countless hospital appointments at the start of 2025. This time, he’s agreed to do even more miles — though thankfully with fewer waiting rooms.

Sarcoma UK is a national charity funding vital research, offering support to anyone affected by sarcoma, and campaigning for better treatments. Sarcoma is a cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue — it’s difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat. By supporting us, you can help change that. Your donation will help fund research, keep the Support Line open, and improve awareness, treatment, and care for others facing this disease.

We’d be incredibly grateful for any support you can give — whether that’s a donation, sharing our page, or simply cheering us on as we question our life choices somewhere around mile 700.

Thank you so much 💛