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Dads cycle 900 miles to visit every prem rugby ground

Aimee Dexter
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Steve Huntley/BBC The three dads are standing next to each other with their arms over each other's shoulders. They are all wearing a light blue T-shirt that says The Brain Tumour Charity on the right. Steve Huntley/BBC
Three dads from Northamptonshire completed a 1500km bike ride on Saturday to raise money for a brain tumour charity

Three dads finished a nine-day bike ride around the country to raise money for a brain tumour charity.

The trio, who are local to Northampton, cycled about 900 miles (1400km) to every premiership rugby ground in honour of their friend Mark Monaghan, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.

Andrew Nicholson, his brother Duncan and Derek Middlemiss took on the challenge and arrived at the Northampton Saints' final home game on Saturday.

Duncan said: "We are doing it for the whole brain tumour community in Mark's name."

The trio started their journey at Newcastle Falcons Rugby Ground, finishing at Northampton Saints Rugby to watch the match with Mr Monaghan.

Northampton Saints beat Saracens 28-24 and remain eighth in the Premiership after the win.

Andrew, who organised the bike ride, said they wanted to do something for Mr Monaghan, who was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in April 2024.

"We thought about the London marathon originally, and my eldest daughter said to me, 'you are not running, you are too old, but you like to do things on a bike and rugby'.

"So, I came up with this crazy scheme, and Duncan and Dereck both said yes, and it came from there."

Steve Huntley/BBC Mark Monaghan is on the left hugging one of his friends who just finished the bike ride. Mr Monaghan is wearing a navy blue T-shirt, and the other biker is wearing a light blue T-shirt with a black helmet.Steve Huntley/BBC
Mr Monaghan was at the finish line waiting for his friends to complete the event

He set up 'Mark's Mission' and decided to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.

About £20,000 has been donated through their JustGiving page so far.

"Mark's mission has morphed into more than just a bike ride," Andrew added.

"So, we have set ourselves a target over a load of events."

Mr Monaghan said it was an "unbelievable feeling" seeing his friends complete the bike ride.

"I am so emotional [about] what they have put in, and why they put in," he said.

Steve Huntley/BBC Debbie Monaghan is on the left wearing a green top and a light blue denim jacket. She has shoulder length brown hair and is looking towards the camera smiling. On the right is Mark Monaghan who is wearing a navy jacket with a white top, and is looking towards the camera smiling. Steve Huntley/BBC
Debbie and Mark Monaghan said they are so proud of the men

His wife, Debbie Monaghan, said: "It's a horrible disease, it changes everything. We want to make awareness of what happens with a brain tumour.

"We are so proud of their achievements - It is amazing really."

She added: "It is just three normal lads doing their bit, it is absolutely amazing."

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