Former-Black Cat Marcus Stewart has organised a charity cycle ride to seven of his former Clubs in seven days in October, as part of Marcus’ campaign to increase awareness of MND in football, along with raising much-needed research funds to eradicate this horrendous disease.
The event will raise money for Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, Marcus’ chosen charity, hoping to raise over £20K from donations and sponsorships.
Marcus discovered he had MND in January 2022 and publicly revealed his diagnosis in September of that year. Stewart and his wife, Louise, have since discussed that Marcus was showing minor signs during the lockdown in 2020. But now, 13 years after hanging up his boots, he is preparing for the toughest battle of his life.
Since being diagnosed, Marcus has been focused on battling the disease and raising awareness of MND in Football. Hence why he has chosen to support the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation. The future is very uncertain for Marcus, with MND being very difficult to predict. However, during a regular check-up in June this year his consultant revealed that they are stunned by his ability to still walk, talk, drive his car and ride his bike.
In true football tradition, the challenge will be split into two legs, with the first leg riding from 4-7 October from Sunderland to Ipswich, visiting Huddersfield Town along the way. The second leg will kick off on 26 October, travelling around the West Country, visiting Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Yeovil and Exeter, finishing on 28 October.
We are supporting the search for fans to be part of a small party of “Family & Friends" riders to join the team on the first journey from Sunderland to Ipswich.
A set package has been created to cover costs for the journey, including hotel accommodation, breakfast, all food and snacks during the day. Evening meals are not included. This is costed at £650 for 4 days/3 nights. Places are limited so an initial deposit of £175 is required to secure your place on ride.
This is an opportunity of a lifetime to ride alongside the #TeamStewart254 team and set yourself a physical challenge, achieving a huge objective with other likeminded individuals. Marcus is unable to join the team, as the cycle is deemed unsafe given his health. He does however intend to be at the finishing line of the second leg, at Bristol Rovers on 28 October.
There is a minimum fund-raising commitment of £500 per rider.
The event will kick off with a departure event from the Stadium of Light on Wednesday 4 October, between 8am and 8:30am. It will finish on 7 October with a half-time welcome at Portman Road, where they will celebrate the completion of the first leg of the ride and hopefully raise a few more donations. The ride is fully supported with highly experienced ride leaders, bag transportation from hotel to hotel, support vehicle and mechanical support. Both rides are rated at 4/5 star cycling difficulty.
If you want to learn more or to book your place, contact ride organiser Peter Tubb (Marcus’s Uncle) on ptubb@hotmail.co.uk