An Oxford Bus Company driver is set to trade the steering wheel for a saddle as he embarks on an ambitious endurance cycling challenge spanning nearly 200 miles between two iconic football stadiums.
Mark Temple, who has worked as a driver for Oxford Bus Company for more than 15 years, will begin his journey at Anfield — the home of his beloved Liverpool Football Club — and cycle to the Kassam Stadium in a single day.
Setting off at 4.00am on Sunday 14 June, Mark aims to complete the mammoth ride between 4.00pm and 6.00pm, covering the distance across a tightly planned route that has taken months of preparation.
The challenge is being undertaken in support of Sobell House Hospice, which provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults across Oxfordshire, as well as vital support for their families and loved ones. This year marks the hospice’s 50th anniversary.
For Mark, the cause carries deep personal meaning. Sobell House previously cared for both his father and his wife’s grandmother before they passed away.
“With this being the 50th anniversary for Sobell House, it makes it special for everyone involved,” he said. “Sobell is a great charity, and the staff are always really appreciative, no matter what you do, whether it be something big or just a small donation.”
Preparation for the challenge has stretched back more than seven months, with training rides gradually building in intensity and distance.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Mark explained. “When you get to 100 and 120-mile training rides, you realise how big it is. At the beginning of May, I got up to 150 miles and that was a real confidence booster.”
Now in the final stages of preparation, the focus has shifted to steady riding and recovery, ensuring he arrives at the start line in the best possible condition.
“It’s about slowing down and doing a lot of steady rides just to keep the legs spinning, and to reduce the risk of injury and fatigue,” he added.
Mark has been supported throughout his training by fellow Oxford Bus Company driver Terry Brackett, along with Michael Stopp from Thames Travel, and his brother Justin Temple, who has helped plan the route and logistics.
“I’ve had a lot of support, especially with the fitness programme which Terry has put together. There’s no way I could’ve done this by myself,” he said.
Reflecting on the scale of the challenge, Mark admitted this could be his final major endurance event.
“This is probably going to be my last big challenge. I’m 57 now. It’s been close to all-consuming with a lot of my spare time dedicated to this,” he said.
However, he hasn’t ruled out future fundraising efforts entirely. “The London Marathon remains on my bucket list, so I wouldn’t rule it out completely.”
The challenge comes shortly after a major win for Sobell House, which secured a £100,000 prize after winning the Brand the Bus competition run by Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel. The prize includes a full bus wrap, advertising across vehicles, radio promotion on Get Radio, and a season-long charity partnership with Oxford City Football Club.
Read more: Oxfordshire charity Sobell House named winner of 2026 Brand the Bus campaign
Mark said the timing feels fitting: “Sobell being the winner of Brand the Bus this year ties in quite nicely and it will be great to drive the branded bus later in the year. I’m proud to work for such a community-spirited company.”
Donations to support Mark’s challenge can be made via his JustGiving page.
