Mark still going strong in epic challenge

"IT’S unbelievable – I still can’t believe what he’s done."

Lorna Stanger, who has been accompanying Thurso businessman Mark Taylor this week on an epic fundraising adventure, is awed by his achievement.

Since Sunday, Mark has conquered a stretch of the Pentland Firth, scaled the three highest peaks in the UK in 24 hours and is furiously propelling himself over 500 miles on his bicycle.

Lorna and Mark are now well on their way to the finish line at John O’Groats to complete "the Quest".

"He’s sore and tired but he’s on a mission," said Lorna. "It’s been cold, wet, windy and stormy but Mark is still going strong.

"He’s determined that he’s going to complete this final part just like he did the other two."

Mark is putting himself through the challenge to raise enough money to bring home his critically ill younger brother. Around three months ago, Matthew, a teacher, was left at the roadside following a near-fatal motorcycle crash in Bali. As he did not have travel insurance, the subsequent hospital bill has been running to many thousands of pounds a week.

Determined to assist, Mark and his group of helpers have roped in huge support from across the community for "the Quest".

The idea is to raise as much money as possible to help the family pay the bills and get an air ambulance to fly Matthew home from Singapore.

Mark set out on Sunday morning at dawn from Dwarwick Pier and swam six miles through the treacherous currents of the Pentland Firth. He clambered ashore three-and-a-half hours later at Thurso beach, close to the Pavilion Restaurant.

He was accompanied by fellow Quest team member David Spencer, from near Dounreay, and last-minute addition Wick man David Sutherland .

After getting out of the water, Mark told the John O’Groat Journal: "It was harder than I thought it was going to be.

"Apparently we hit an eight-knot current halfway through but then it got a bit easier. Just before Thurso East we hit the current from the river coming out and it was quite tough going again."

The three men came ashore to applause from the gathered crowd. As coffee was given out, renowned local fiddler Karen Steven played her tune "Matty’s Appeal" which she penned as part of the fundraising bid.

Mark and David Spencer then tackled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike in England and finally Mount Snowdon in Wales.

Lorna said: "The guys completed the three peaks challenge in 23 hours 35 minutes in total, including driving," she said.

"It’s just fantastic."

It’s now a case of two challenges down and one more to go for the Picture Box and Hush boutique owner.

He is currently on his bike heading from his family home in Derbyshire to his adopted Thurso via John O’Groats, with Lorna riding alongside.

Together they set off on Tuesday at 9am, clocking up 130 miles on their first day on the road.

"The first day was really hilly and the backpacks we’re wearing weigh about 15 kilograms," said Lorna. "It was really hard going."

"We camped on Tuesday night just in some trees and it was pouring rain and howling winds all night. We were really lucky that we were not on the road at the time."

Lorna and Mark will meet up with the rest of the team either today or tomorrow to complete the final ride into John O’Groats together.