Duo take on huge cycling challenge for charities

A duo from Lincoln have undertaken a tremendous cycling challenge to raise money for three charities close to their hearts – Cancer Research UK, SSAFA and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Marcus Elliot and Dan Thompson cycled to all the English RAF stations Marcus' father was based at when he served as a Flight Sergeant in the RAF Police. Sadly, in January 2022, Marcus' dad passed away from cancer, so Marcus thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate his life and raise money for important causes. 

The charities are also incredibly meaningful to Dan, who lost his mother Josephine to brain cancer in 2004. The armed forces and supporting charities were there to support Dan when he was in the British Army and based in Germany, swiftly transporting him to the UK to be with his mother during her final days. 

Together, Dan and Marcus cycled from Newquay (RAF St Mawgan) to Lincoln (RAF Waddington). They started the challenge on Saturday 13 August and rode around 1000km over seven days.  

Marcus said: "We decided to do this fundraiser as part of my dad’s legacy – he was passionate about the three charities, so I wanted to continue that on. I really enjoyed the physical and mental challenge – Dan and I have cycled long distances but never to this scale.

"The RAF Benevolent Fund provides amazing support to service people and their families, even helping with small things which make a big difference."

Dan added: "The idea of raising money to help charities who support those in need was a big driver for us. Having lost parents to cancer and both having experienced military life, we wanted to do something that make a positive impact to people's lives."

You can donate to Marcus and Dan's fundraising page here.