Hi, I'm Mark and I hope to raise £20,000 by completing a marathon (26.2 miles) in my chin controlled power-chair, to help raise funds for the charity Spinal Injuries Scotland and to part fund my all-terrain wheelchair which will open up so many more potential fundraising opportunities in the future and here's why....

In March 2018 my life changed forever. As a result of a road traffic accident I suffered a C2/C3 Spinal Cord Injury and was left tetraplegic. I also have a tracheostomy to assist my breathing and help maintain my lung health. I am no longer able to do any of the things I loved, I was a keen cyclist, sailor and hillwalker, I lived for the outdoors.

After my accident I was airlifted to The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow where I ultimately stayed and received treatment for the next 18 months in the Phillipshill Ward of the Spinal Injuries Unit where they prepared me for a new way of life and the challenges that I would have to face on my discharge from hospital. This period of time was incredibly difficult however with the support of the amazing NHS staff, Spinal Injuries Scotland and their volunteers, my family and friends, I was finally discharged in August 2019.

Coming home presented its own challenges as we had to get used to a new routine, a new way of life, and a full time care team to look after me. This together with ongoing continued support from my care team, family and friends is helping me to adapt to this new "normal".

I am unable to give a specific date for the challenge but it will hopefully take place in August 2021. As like others who have a Spinal Cord Injury there are daily physical and complex issues which I and my care team need to manage. Such as skin intergrity, chest management, bowel and bladder management, body temperature control, neuropathic pain and muscle spasms and the event will put a lot of stain on my neck and chin. It has to take place during a dry day which is not too hot or too cold. Therefore, for any or all of the above reasons the challenge may be completed over a series of days. I will have a support vehicle to assist as required.

The route will commence from Kilbirnie using the National Cycle Network (NCN) route No.7 to Johnstone. Then we will join the NCN No.75 to Port Glasgow passing through Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm. At Port Glasgow we will travel to The Beacon in Greenock to pick up the NCN No.75 and NCN No.753 which will take us through to Gourock towards Ardgowan Estate passing Cardwell Garden Centre, with the final stage finishing at Wemyss Bay. We would love to see anyone who would like to come and support us, ride or walk along with us, all or part of the way. Please watch out for any updated information.

For more on Spinal Injuries Scotland, visit https://www.spinalinjuriesscotland.org.uk/