MaD: Tour de Bases

Dan and Marcus cycle 1000km to help others

In January 2022, Marcus' dad died from cancer. To remember him and to raise vital funds for important charities, Marcus thought it would be a good idea to get on his bike and cycle to all his English RAF bases (the overseas ones might get the bikes wet). Dan thought it might be fun to join him to celebrate his own mum's life, who also died from cancer.

In January 2004, Daniel’s mum, Josephine passed away after losing her battle to cancer. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the brain tumour, its location and its aggressive nature it was deemed that it was inoperable. She spent the last year of her life receiving palliative care starting off in a hospice and then the family made a collective decision as per Josephine wishes to spend her last days at home. 

At that point, Daniel was based in Hameln, Germany and the British Army made every effort to (as they do for all serving members of the armed forces) quickly extract Daniel back to the UK. Upon the initial revelation and diagnosis, it was deemed that time was of the essence as the cancer was deemed to be life threatening, 6 hours later an empty Hercules C-130 RAF plane was waiting for Daniel at Hannover airport to take him to Newcastle airport, followed by a Taxi direct to the hospital.

Daniel owes a lot of debt and gratitude to both armed forces and supporting charities, for their continued support during the compassionate leave period, during Daniel’s mother’s final days and my grieving period.

Marcus' dad, Gaff, served in the RAF for 22 years, reaching the rank of Flight Sergeant. He spent his time in RAF working with dogs, first as a handler, then trainer, then as an assessor. After leaving the RAF, he set up his own specialist canine business. He was a keen sportsman, excelling in most sports he turned his hand to, but with particular success in football and golf.

Together Dan and Marcus will cycle from Newquay (RAF St Mawgan) to Lincoln (RAF Waddington) in August 2023, criss-crossing the country picking off working and former military bases. Starting on Sunday 13 August, we ride about 1000km over 7 days, arriving on Marcus' dad's birthday 2023. Take a look at our route.

We are aiming to raise as much money as possible for three important charities:

• Cancer Research UK - to support their ongoing work in finding cures and treatments for the biggest killer in the UK
• SSAFA - for their support of active and former military personnel
• RAF Benevolent Fund - for their support for active and former RAF personnel and their families

Please consider donating if you can. Even a small amount can make a huge difference.

You can follow our adventures on Instagram via @TourdeBases