Mark Harper

The Big Day!

I rode the Taunton leg of the DGR today, 18th May, and had a great time!

Riding with the sight, sound and smell of 40 or so other bikes was truly amazing!

My friends and fellow bikers John and Giles made the experience even better, many thanks to them.

My thanks also again go to all those who donated and shared their experiences with me, very much appreciated. 

Here's to next year's ride!

Taunton Independent Market

Went to the Taunton Independent Market today, Sunday 11th May, and had a very productive time.

I had lovely conversations with people, some of whom donated straight away, and thank those who talked openly about their experiences of men's mental health and prostate cancer, sharing and talking is definitely the best way forward in my humble opinion.

My thanks also go to the marshals who allowed me into the closed off market area to hand out more flyers and chat about my bike.

Can't really do any more unfortunately but have hopefully done my bit to raise awareness and prompt donations, my sincere thanks to those who already have given and those who will hopefully be giving what they can via my profile page.

The forecast in Taunton for ride day next Sunday 18th is looking fine so should be a great time!

Langport Vintage Market

A lovely time, Saturday 10th May, at Langport Vintage Market showing off my bike again while dressed like an Antiques Roadshow presenter!

I met some very friendly stall holders and the market organiser, Kim Woods, who was happy for me to hand out flyers to raise awareness of men's mental health and prostate cancer.

There were some very touching moments when people shared their personal experiences of mental health and prostrate cancer, I thank them for speaking with me so openly and wish them all the best.

Onwards tomorrow (Sunday 11th May) to the Taunton Independent Market and the ride a week later, can't wait!

Tiverton Food Market

I had a great time, Saturday 5th April, dressed in my dapper gear, showing off my bike and handing out flyers at the Tiverton Food Market.

It felt good to be raising some awareness of men's mental health and prostate cancer, hopefully garnering some donations to be made along the way too!

I met some lovely people, notably Lewis representing the Tiverton Gazette and James, Rural Enterprise Exmoor, who were all interested in my bike, the DGR and its causes. 

Thank you one and all!

My first ever The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride!

On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding my Herald Classic 250 in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride on the Taunton, England route and looking forward to what should be quite an experience!

I will confess now to not being distinguished or even a gentleman some might say but will hopefully raise some money to make up for my failings!

I have lived with mental health issues on and off most of my life, taken anti depressants to support me at times and, in darker moments, thought about suicide.

We need to raise awareness and, if riding my bike whilst dressed in a dapper way does this, I'm happy to do so!

If anyone out there reading this would like to donate via me or another rider, please give what you can and feel pleased to have supported men's mental health initiatives and prostate cancer research. Thank you!