After watching his dad live with MS for more than 30 years, Mark Bloor wanted to take on a challenge that could help raise awareness and support others affected by the condition. Therefore, taking part in our John O’Groats to Land’s End ride was a perfect opportunity to honour his Dad’s memory and help those who have the same condition his Dad struggled with for so many years.
Originally from Middlewich in Cheshire, Mark works for Cheshire East Council as a refuse loader. While cycling has always been something he’s enjoyed, taking on a 1,000-mile ride from the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall is by far his biggest challenge yet.
Growing Up Around MS
Growing up, Mark admits he didn’t completely understand the reality of living with MS and the impact it had on everyday family life.
“My dad was a strong character and kept a lot to himself,” He explains, “As a child I never really understood what MS was and how it affected us as a family”.
It was only later, in his twenties, that Mark began to fully see the impact the condition was having on his father’s day-to-day life. Watching the progression of the disease became increasingly difficult, particularly as his dad’s mobility worsened.
“Seeing someone you look up to going through so much pain really hurt.”
MS changed life for the whole family. Things many people take for granted, like playing football together or travelling independently, became difficult. As the condition progressed, Mark’s mum became his dad’s full-time carer, supporting him through the later stages of the disease after he lost the use of his legs and eventually underwent amputations.
“It was so upsetting, and day-to-day life for all of us changed.”
Why Raising Awareness Matters
For Mark Bloor, sharing his story is about helping people better understand the realities of MS, not only for the person living with the condition, but for the people around them too.
“It’s a cruel disease, so it’s important to raise awareness so people can understand what MS is and how it affects the sufferer and the people you love”.
He hopes that by taking on JOGLE and speaking openly about his family’s experience, he can help raise both awareness and vital funds to support research to try and beat MS, “this is the aim for everyone who suffers with MS”.
Why JOGLE Felt Like the Right Challenge
For Mark, sharing his story is about helping people better understand the realities of MS, not only for the person living with the condition, but for the people around them too.
“It’s a cruel disease, so it’s important to raise awareness so people can understand what MS is and how it affects the sufferer and the people you love”.
He hopes that by taking on JOGLE and speaking openly about his family’s experience, he can help raise both awareness and vital funds to support research to try and beat MS, “this is the aim for everyone who suffers with MS”.
The Challenge Ahead
Like many riders, Mark is drawn to JOGLE because of the scale of the challenge itself. Cycling the length of the UK is no small undertaking.
“It’s a massive challenge that I’m really excited for,” he says. “To ride the UK is something I’ll look back on and be proud of.”
But beyond the miles and the finish line, Mark hopes the experience leaves him with something more meaningful, knowing he has done something positive in his dad’s memory and contributed to a cause close to his heart.
“It will be a great life experience being on the road for two weeks and doing this in my dad’s memory.”
And this might not be the end of the journey either. Mark already has his eyes on another future challenge.
“One day, doing the TransAmerica ride for MS would be the next step on this journey.”
Preparing for JOGLE
As Mark Bloor prepares for his JOGLE adventure, his story reminds us why we organise these rides. For him, the challenge is a way to honour his dad and turn a difficult family experience into something that can support others affected by the condition.Want to support Mark with his fundraising efforts? Donate to his profile here.
