Cyclist to stop off at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park as part of fundraising tour

A keen cyclist and volunteer for the Bradley Lowery Foundation is embarking on a 320-mile tour of 39 football grounds to raise money for the charity.

Mark Harrison, 37, has fundraised for the foundation for three years and has so far helped to raise more than £3,000 alone and more than £20k as part of two charity football teams.

The ride will begin on April 11 in Carlisle and will cover the 39 grounds in four days, ending in Newton Aycliffe on April 14.

Sporty Mark is aiming to raise £300 from the bike ride to fund his participation in Bradley Lowery Foundation charity football matches, playing for the foundation’s Team North and Team Orange.

The Bradley Lowery Foundation was established in memory of Bradley Lowery, who passed away following a fight with Neuroblastoma in 2017. Since then, the charity has raised more than £3 million for dozens of poorly children across the UK; established a dedicated support line for the families of children with cancer; donated over £200,000 to researching childhood cancers and campaigned for new drugs to be introduced in the UK.

Mark Harrison said: “I have been a volunteer for the Bradley Lowery Foundation for around three years now. I was asked by a friend to play in a charity football match in London and I couldn’t say no.

“Since then, I have been involved in playing more games, where we’d always have a target to raise to play.

“I have also integrated my passion for cycling into it by using that as a way to spread what I do. I use my cycling to pay for each of these games, putting the amounts we have to raise in each pot.

“I have done the coast-to-coast alone and also arranged for a group ride for six of us have, and this year I plan to make it even bigger. Last year I completed a 400-mile ride around the Yorkshire borders over a five day period raising £600.

“This year I have had the idea to involve the Northern League and its 41 teams. Many of these clubs share the story of Bradley and have helped to raise funds for the charity so it is a good way for me to show appreciation to them and visit all of the clubs. I plan to ride to all 39 grounds where 41 teams play.”

Lynn Murphy, chief operating officer of the Bradley Lowery Foundation, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Mark for his hard work fundraising for the foundation over the past three years and wish him the best of luck with this latest endeavour.

“The charity relies on donations and the efforts of volunteers, and we’re delighted that Mark is so committed to helping us support poorly children and adults. He is an inspiration.”

To donate to Mark’s ride, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/footballgroundride