A CRUSADERS rugby league fan has cycled from his hometown of Wrexham to Cornwall in aid of Motor Neurone Disease. 

Mark Jones, 64, started his five-day cycle on May 23, completing a grand total of 582.3km (approx. 361.82 mi), ascending 6,874m at an average speed of 18.2km.  

Mark was inspired by English rugby union coach Kevin Sinfield’s seven marathons in seven days fundraising challenge on behalf of his friend and former professional rugby league player Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019.

He said: “One of the things that struck me since I have been fundraising is how many people have been affected by MND.” 

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He added: “Rob's story and that of Doddie Weir, the Scotland Rugby Union international player (who died in 2022 after his battle with MND), were very moving and inspired me to do something. 

“I came up with the idea of cycling to various Rugby League grounds. As a North Wales Crusaders supporter, I’ve had support from the club and the supporters.” 

Mark has raised over £2,000 for MNDA. 

Mark's fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease Association - #Cru2Cornwall #Cru4MNDA - JustGiving

The first leg took Mark from Wrexham to Prestige, completing 117km (about 72.7 mi) in just under six hours.  

He battled through the hot weather and steep climbs, finally making it to Cornwall RLFC in Penryn on Sunday, May 28 where he was met by fellow Crusaders supporters. 

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On Instagram, Mark said: My biggest THANK YOU goes to Paula. My wife, my driver, my cook, my minder... My back up crew for the fundraising ride to Penryn and Cornwall RLFC.” 

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Mark’s wife, and their dog, met up with him each evening throughout the journey.  

His fundraising will go towards the MNDA which aims to improve access to care, research, and campaigning for those living with or affected by MND in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.  

As Mark says: “That’s got to be worth a couple of quid for MNDA!”