Mark Dix is 58 years old and is the Wales and Western project manager for Network Rail. As a keen climber, Mark has faced some of the world’s highest peaks and part of his next challenge will see him face the well-known ‘Gospel Pass’ ascent on a bike in order to raise funds for Children in Need.

The 50-mile bike ride will see Mark journey through the Brecon Beacons using a circular route from Crickhowell to Ross-on-Wye and of course over the gruelling Gospel Pass before returning via Talgarth and Talybont-on-Usk in Wales.

Gospel Pass is located at the head of the Vale of Ewyas amongst the stunning Black Mountains which is 549 metres at its highest peak.

As a fitness fanatic, Mark has previously taken on physically demanding fundraising challenges for Children in Need in 2021 which saw him raise over £1,500 on a less challenging route in Wales. 2020 also saw Mark raise £1,000 in a single day by cycling a massive 120 miles from Twickenham to Bath.

Mark was a former Commissioned Officer for the British Army and is always happy to take on physical challenges, as a mountaineer has scaled some of the highest peaks in the world including Aconcagua, in the Andes, Argentina.

Ahead of this upcoming fundraiser, Mark has been preparing in his garage using his fixed-state-turbo-trainer and has recently completed a virtual double ascent of the Alpe d’Huez which is a famous cycling venue in the French Alps and part of the Tour de France.

Mark is from the Forest of Dean and as a father of two has chosen to raise money for Children in Need as part of his belief that children need the best possible start in life to provide them with the best possible future. Mark is also a big believer that physical challenge is a great way to improve mental health.

Mark said: ‘I’m doing what I love with a fundraising twist, for BBC Children in Need.

“Every child deserves a safe, happy and secure childhood, regardless of where their story begins. I believe that children are the future of our society, and we should all do as much as we can to invest in them.”

The challenge will begin at 9.30am on Friday the 18th of November and Mark anticipates that it will take four hours. Keeping his supporters up to date, Mark plans to post videos at key points throughout his journey and will also be supported by a team who will capture the full cycle and also ensure that Mark stays safe.

Mark added: “I’m hoping the weather will be on my side. Once you complete the ascent to the highest point on the Gospel Pass, you can face extreme winds that can be tough to overcome, but it’s a challenge I’m prepared for.

“I’m really looking forward to completing this one and I encourage anyone who wants to join me on the day to do so, or please donate, if you can.”

Nick Millington, interim route director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said:

“All of us at Network Rail are so proud of Mark for his fundraising efforts, over the years, and we would like to wish him the very best of luck for his charity cycle on Friday 18 November.

“Mark is a fantastic colleague who, next year, will be celebrating his tenth year as part of our railway family, so I would also like to congratulate him on his upcoming big work milestone.”

To follow Mark’s cycle please visit Network Rails Twitter account: @NetworkRailWal.

To support Mark’s fundraiser, please visit www.justgiving.com/mark-dix.