Oxford Bus Company driver prepares for huge cycling challenge

A bus driver is swapping his steering wheel for the saddle as he prepares for a mammoth cycling challenge between Anfield and the Kassam Stadium. 

Mark Temple, who has been an Oxford Bus Company driver for 15.5 years, will be riding from Anfield, the home of his beloved Liverpool Football Club, to the Kassam Stadium in just one day. 

The challenge is all in aid of Sobell House, with Mark departing Anfield at 4am and due to arrive back in Oxfordshire between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday 14th June. 

Sobell House provides specialist palliative and end of life care to adults living in Oxfordshire with a life limiting illness, as well as support for their family and friends. 

The hospice, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, cared for Mark's dad and his wife's grandmother before they sadly passed away. 

Mark said: "Sobell is a great charity and the staff are always really appreciative, no matter what you do, whether it be be big or small donation." 

Preparations for the cycling challenge stretch back more than seven months, with plenty of twists and turns to get Mark in shape for the ride. 

He said: "I knew it wasn't going to be easy. When you get to 100 and 120 mile training rides, you realise how big it is."

Last month, Sobell House won the Brand the Bus competition run by Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, securing a prize pool worth £100,000.