On 23rd June 4 enthusiastic amateur cyclists will embark on a bike ride from Beaconsfield to Assen in The Netherlands. They are 4 like-minded individuals who were drawn to their love of cycling for very different reasons but have now been brought together for a clear and common aim. They are honouring the memory of a good friend and a great human being, Mark Denyer. Mark sadly passed away in July 2011 from cancer.

Grant Hepburn cemented his friendship with Mark while they were both on their bikes training for the London-Brighton bike ride and Laurie Othen became friends with Mark while he was enjoying one of his other interests – visits to the local pub with his wife, Debbie. Benjamin Tilly and Alex Dunlop are both keen cyclists and both say that it is a privilege to be part of the Assen Challenge raising money in memory of Mark.

The team will be raising money for the Sue Ryder Hospice that provided invaluable care and comfort for Mark and his family in the short time before he died.

The choice of Assen as the destination provides the opportunity for the team to remember Mark’s love of cycling and his passion for Moto GP. Motorbikes may have been a quicker and easier option to get to Assen, but then it would not be a money raising challenge! The reward for cycling the long distance to Assen is that the riders will watch the Moto GP race when they get there in memory of Mark.

Grant had done a fair amount of cycling through the years and had more than his fair share of accidents. But aged 41 and in need of some regular exercise he got back on his bike and with Mark and a friend, Trevor Potts, they started regular Sunday morning bike rides.

Laurie hadn’t owned a bike for 15 years until Mark’s death inspired him to buy a new one and embarked on his first challenge of a 60 mile bike ride through the Chilterns.

Alex has done some lengthy rides over the last 7 years including London – Paris, London – Amsterdam, but the Assen challenge will be the longest that he has done and he is training accordingly. Alex’s cycling endeavours have raised significant money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, British Heart Foundation and others.

Ben raced mountain bikes in his early 30’s but now, he is more likely to be found enjoying more leisurely trips around the Chilterns. Ben has also arranged a number of events raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.