This guy’s really made his Mark

I frequently meet people far more inspirational than I am when I do my races and treks.

While I am in Cambodia racing this week I’d like to share a tale about Mark Solan, who I met in October and have thought of every day since.

He’s probably the most inspirational and selfless man I have come across. Mark is an ordinary guy but, sadly, many of those close to him died far too young of cancer or cancer-related illnesses. Like his beloved Mam, who died at just 43. I can’t imagine what that must have been like for him.

But, unlike so many, Mark decided to use his sad experiences to drive him as a force for good and he helped launch the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust. Mark is seen with me, above, during my 190-mile March for

Men walk. While striding along he told me how the charity helps needy people in County

Durham with things like fixing a boiler, getting a new fridge, putting food on the table and sadly, all too often, paying for a funeral.

This is a tiny charity supported by the community in

Spennymoor – helping people when they need it most and have no one to turn to. I can’t imagine what I would do if having cancer also meant that I could not work or feed my children. He had me in tears hearing some of the harrowing stories.

So last week, I sent the charity a box of unopened toys and a cheque that I was going to spend on a holiday so that they could be used for children who have nothing to expect this Christmas – or be sold to raise further funds.

Please visit their website and see if you can help them too – it’s teamsolan.org.uk.

After all, where would you be if you were ill and could not work or were caring for another?

If you can do something for a cause close to you it would make a world of difference for people when all else is failing.

Until next week

He had me in tears with some harrowing stories of people in need... we can all help