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View profile for Mark Walley, CDir, graphic

Chief Executive STEP – Advising Families Across Generations

Dover to Durness. An epic. 13 days. 951 miles. 69 hours in the saddle. 18,800 meters climbed. That’s 14 times up Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK) or just over twice the height of Everest). So what was the experience like? It has been hard to process everything but a week after finishing here is my best attempt. Firstly a big thank you to Peak Tours, the organisers and logistics supremo’s. Excellence from first enquiry right through to the finish and departure. Tina, Matt and James were just brilliant. Secondly a big shout out to my 16 fellow cyclists. All of us strangers as we assembled in Dover, but quickly turned into a fabulously supportive team who buoyed each other through the tough times and made memories for each other. We shared many laughs, fascinating moments, wonderful chats, historical and engineering lessons and ups and downs along beautiful scenic roads. A disparate group with a common enthusiasm. The journey itself was a wonderfully unfolding tableaux of the very best of England and Scotland. There was beauty everywhere, whether industrial, infrastructure or the sheer scenic delights. There were also fabulous hosts at lunch stops – thank you for that extra scone at Loch Carron and the wonderful soup in Parwich – and superb overnight accommodation, not least the amazing room at the Packhorse Inn in Thornsett. The kindness of strangers is seared into the memories of this trip. The numerous motorists who obligingly gave way or gave space to us cyclists, the folks who took time to listen to the story of our journey and gave us encouragement, the ferry crews who made space for all our bikes, the Tebay truck stop staff taking care of very wet cyclists without missing a beat. Too many moments to list in entirety. And that’s what it is all about really. Meeting new people, creating memories, seeing Britain, and its people, at its best, It was a privilege to ride and experience all I have. It was also an honour to have your support as you read my posts and sent your encouragement. That certainly got me through some of the tougher days. Special thanks also to the wonderful team at Worldwide Cancer Research – following my journey each day and sending hugely well timed messages of support. Some other thanks to the people who got me physically able to do the ride and fit again after surgery: Adam Toms, Chloe Mason and Alex Hughes at Resolute. Jan and Diljyot at The Physio Camberley. Knee surgeon Simon Thompson. And not forgetting my beautiful wife who unfailingly offered support and encouragement through the year of getting ready and the two weeks of being away. In the end it’s all about people. It is people that make everything possible. It’s people that create shared experiences that stay long in the memory. It’s people that support and show kindness. Thank you all for your support 🙏 Any final donations https://lnkd.in/e5jJv5J3 (Channelling the inspiration of Peter Weissman for my Friday Photo)

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An incredible achievement Mark, the team at Worldwide Cancer Research are still in awe of your determination and perseverance with this challenge. We can’t thank you enough for deciding to support us, you’re starting vital new cancer cures all over the world. 💛

Peter Weissman

Tax Specialist- Photographer- Media Resource

2mo

Wow, Mark Walley, CDir It sounds like your journey started well before this one but what an amazing way to end it!! I’m glad you could do that. I notice the sign, behind the group in your Friday Photo, points to a golf course that appears to be in the Ocean. That’s about right😂😂

Kelly Greig

Partner Blick Rothenberg/ Worldwide Chair - STEP - advising families across generations

2mo

At the end, it is always about the people ❤️. Well done Mark - awesome effort 👏

Incredible and inspirational Mark!

Brian Donnelly

Director at B.J.D. Consulting Services Ltd

2mo

Well done, Mark 👍🙏👏. Tremendous effort and achievement.

Anthony Nixon

Trust tax, trust law and tax planning professional with an appetite for the unusual and the complex

2mo

Amazing Mark. Well done

Helen Rippon

CEO I NED I Scientist I Ultra Runner I Exec Coach-in-Training. London & Edinburgh.

2mo

Slightly late to this party as I've been on holiday (NOT on a bike) - but congrats Mark and I can't wait to hear all about it over lunch tomorrow!

Anne Kiem OBE

Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors

2mo

Well done Mark!!

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Marcia Philbin, Hon. DSc PhD FRSC CChem FAPM

Management Today Women in Leadership Power List 2024. Chief Executive, Chief Disrupter, and Chief Navigator. Sticky floor? Trampled. Glass ceiling? Shattered. I can and I did one step at a time!

2mo

Superb achievement Mark Walley, CDir. I think an ice bath is calling!

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