One week to go for Mark

Blyth Spartans Press officer Mark Carruthers is now just a week away from taking on the biggest challenge of his life but it's all in a good cause.

Over the last three months he has been readying himself to take on the Three Peaks Challenge in order to raise money for Parkinsons UK and final preparations are now in full swing. Mark explained just why the charity is so close to his heart.

He said "I lost my Grandad twenty years ago last November and he suffered from Parkinsons. I never actually knew him when he was fully fit but it never stopped him being a fantastic Grandad. As a massive football fan he would be so proud of what I am doing at Spartans too. It is an honour to represent the charity but more importantly my Grandad and I'm sure it'll be an emotional three days."

Mark will he heading in the direction of the summit of Mount Snowdon on Sunday before spending that night in the Lake District. On the Monday morning Scafell Pike will be in his sights before travelling to Scotland to tackle Ben Nevis the next day.

As well as a photo of Mark and his Grandad he will also have another very special addition on the challenge. A Blyth Spartans flag will be accompanying Mark up each peak and is to be proudly unfurled on each summit.

"Everyone at the Spartans is right behind Mark and we wish him all the best," commented the club's General Manager Ian Evans.

Mark will be accompanied by his friend Mark Rutter from the Fast Feet Football Academy and the Head of Media at Newcastle United, Wendy Taylor. Wendy is an experienced walker/fundraiser having tackled the Pyrenees for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The trio have had support from a number of sources ranging from Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor, Parkinsons UK and friends and family.

Mark's partner Jaq commented:" I'm very proud of Mark for taking this on and, given that the charity concerned is a personal one to him he is working hard to get himself ready. I've never seen him so motivated and focused and can only hope he carries that work ethic on when it comes to decorating and housework! Seriously though, I know he'll achieve all he wants to and do Spartans, the charity, his family, myself and most of all, himself, proud."

The fund has been given a further boost by the new that Mark's employer npower are to match the fundraising £4£ up to £1000, meaning the fundraising is now just £225 away from that magical £2000 mark.

Mark has setup a just giving page to take donations so if you wish to donate to Parkinsons UK please click

here

As a further option you can donate by text message by texting 70070 with the code MPUK82 followed by a space and your amount in pounds, so to donate £5 you would text MPUK82 5.