Mark and Chris shared cycling as a passion (Picture: Wales News Service)
Mark Hughes, 37, always loved cycling with his active dad Chris.
So when his father passed away at the age of 62 earlier this year, Mark decided to honour their passion by embarking on a 274-mile cycle – with his dad’s ashes in tow.
The pair were more than just father and son, they were best friends – with Chris attending Mark’s wedding last year as best man.
But shortly after the family celebration, Chris was struck down by headaches and was diagnosed with a chronic brain tumour in March 2023.
Mark lost his dad earlier this year (Picture: Wales News Service)
The 62-year-old died just four months later, on July 15, at Ystrad Mynach Hospital near Caerphilly.
Two days after his funeral, Mark set off on Chris’ mountain bike with his ashes on the month-long cycle ride around Wales – not only to honor his dad, but to also raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
‘I know he’d be proud of what I am doing’ (Picture: Wales News Service)
Mark, from Rogerstone, Gwent, said: ‘Dad was active, he used to run and loved cycling. When I saw the challenge it seemed a fitting way to celebrate something he loved while raising awareness of brain tumours.
‘I know he’d be proud of what I am doing and would be doing it with me if he was here.
‘By taking part in this challenge, I hope to encourage people to get seen if they have any concerns. I hope that by raising money for research, we can understand more about the disease and have better treatment options and overall outcomes for patients and their families.’
Mark is due to complete his gruelling ride this weekend and has raised more than £4,000 so far via JustGiving.
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‘It seemed a fitting way to celebrate something he loved while raising awareness of brain tumours.’