North Coast 500 is all in a day’s work for avid fundraiser

A former police officer is aiming to motorcycle Scotland’s equivalent of Route 66 in one day to raise funds for charity.

Mark David Robinson is travelling the length of the North Coast 500 on Saturday June 19 in aid of North East Rider Volunteers Scotland (NERVS), a charity he volunteers for.

The 57-year-old will complete the challenge within a 24-hour period and aims to raise in excess of £500.

He has completed a number of sports-related challenges in the past with all donations going towards organisations close to his heart.

NERVS provides free transportation for the Grampian Health Service.

Mark, who is originally from Watford but currently lives in Dinnet, said: “Over the years, I’ve done Lands End to John o’ Groats by motorcycle in one day, as well as Lands End to John o’ Groats and back to Lands End in just two days.

“In 2012, while serving in Grampian Police, I rode a marked police bike to all 51 of the police force HQ’s at the time on the mainland in 10 days and 3,500 miles for Commando 999.

“The following year, I went to the four furthest most compass points and police memorials for Care of Police Survivors on my motorcycle.

“And later that year I did a six-hour gym endurance event, lifting 107.84 tonnes to raise funds for Commando 999 again.

“After Storm Frank (in 2015), I arranged a huge fundraiser for the victims in Ballater and raised just over £16k in one evening. You can see I’m keen to do my bit.”

Mark Robinson is taking on the North Coast 500.