Press Officer Mark aims for a hat-trick

Blyth Spartans Press officer Mark Carruthers is in a race against time to achieve his peak.

Regular gym workouts and a considered diet are the order of the day for the 30 year old who is working towards undertaking the National Three Peaks Challenge in March.

"It's fair to say I need to push myself. The Challenge is unforgiving so I have to be very disciplined," Mark explained. "I try to get to the gym three or four times a week and takeaway meals are definitively out! On top of that it's all about eating at sensible times and the added exercise of 5-a-aside every week. I've lost a stone already so things are going in the right direction."

Mark will he heading in the direction of the summit of Mount Snowdon on 3th of March 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.

Mark commented: "Ben Nevis the highest of the three and will be a big test for the last day but Snowdon is actually the hardest to climb."

A Blyth Spartans flag will be making it up the Peaks 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.

There is a serious purpose, however, behind his efforts. "I will be walking in memory of my Grandfather who passed away 20 years ago and the money I hope to raise will go to Parkinsons UK. The target is to raise £1000 but if we can get anywhere near that we will be pleased," said Mark.

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.

Arun Malhotra from Parkinsons UK said: "On behalf of everyone at Parkinsons UK we are incredibly grateful to Mark and the team for undertaking such a difficult challenge. I hope their efforts will inspire other people in the North East to help raise vital funds to support our work within the region. A huge thanks to Mark and his colleagues and I wish them the very best of luck."

Marks' employer, npower, is also fully behind the challenge. Ruth Worton, npower's charity and volunteering manager, said "npower is proud of the fundraising involvement of employees and is delighted to support this project through the RWE npower Matching Funding Scheme which sees npower matching funds raised by employees for charity up to £1000. We wish Mark the very best of luck with is Three Peaks Challenge!"

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has also rallied to support the effort. "It's an incredible challenge particularly as I hear the lads have never attempted this kind of physical test before," he said. "I know they've put a lot of hard work into preparing for this. Most importantly it's a really fantastic cause so they are raising money for so, on behalf of all the team at Newcastle United, I wish them all the best!"

"This is a step in to the unknown for me but I've never shirked a challenge," said Mark. "My partner Jaq is right behind me and we have planned a holiday in Portugal in June to relax.

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 the Spartans, the charity, his family, myself and most of all, himself, proud."

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.