I've known Mark for +35years, we drunk together, played rugby together and went on rugby tours together. We've always supported the same Premiership footy team and when rugby finished with us we went to see Everton at home. For over 25 years a bunch of us met on Saturday nights to 'put the world to rights' which obviously included talking about what Everton were doing wrong over a few pints - there's a theme here! 

Mark passed away due to MND last year, he was only 60. During his time with this horrible disease Mark was given great help and support by the Doddie Foundation. This is my way of giving something back by me getting off my ar**, putting it on a bike and doing something out of my comfort zone. Marks Old Boys 'team' is a mixture of his family and mates who are from Liverpool and Scotland.

We are doing the 60 mile ride in recognition of Mark's and indeed our age as some of us were at school in the same year - others in the Team are a lot younger, fitter and they say better looking!

The ride is in Melrose, the borders, Scotland on August 8th this year as this gives a sort of an in between location so both sides of his family and mates can participate together in his honour.

Sweet dreams mate and all the very best to Carole and the kids.