Hero Mark set to complete epic 12 in 12 challenge for sister Claire

Ex-Athletic footballer Mark Innes is preparing for his final event of his 12 in 12 challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

This weekend (Saturday, September 29) Mark will host a charity night at Tara Leisure, Shaw to raise money in honour of his sister Claire Innes.

The charity night will encompass live music, a local comedian, exclusive raffle prizes and a live sports auction followed by a DJ set.

The evening will see over 100 people come together to celebrate and support Mark and the teams’ outstanding achievements over the last 12 months.

Last year Mark’s sister Claire was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer at the age of 41.

In a way of showing support, Mark came up with the idea of completing 12 challenges in 12 months to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support which provided unconditional support to Claire, her three boys Declan, Calum and Charlie, and the rest of the family.

Mark has endured some exciting and gruelling physical challenges including the Manchester Marathon, UK Three Peaks, Yorkshire Three Peaks, West Highland Way and a white collar competitive boxing match in which he triumphed. 

To mark the end of Mark’s incredible journey he is hoping to finish things off with a bang at the charity night held this weekend to raise more money for the charity.

Mark moved from Scotland to Oldham at the age of 15 when he went through the ranks at Athletic's Youth team.

After turning professional, Mark stayed on at  Athletic before moving on to play for Chesterfield and Port Vale. 

While on trial at St Mirren FC in Scotland, Mark ruptured his achilles tendon which ended his professional career, but he made a recovery and went on to play for Conference teams Hyde and New Mills.

Mark met his now wife Karen while he was playing for the youth team and they live locally in Royton with their two children, Eva and Erin.

Mark who works full time and also runs his own Coaching Academy - Mark Innes Coaching Academy (MICA) - planned the charity night to bring together his friends, family and colleagues and local people to thank them for their support and encouragement as well as being able to celebrate with Claire, who has been incredible and has even managed to complete a few of the challenges with Mark.

Mark said: “I wanted to do something that would be a focus for all of the family to try and take our minds off what was happening and something that the children could be involved in as well; such as baking for the coffee morning, training with me and cheering me on at the Manchester Marathon as well as making banners for my boxing match.

"I am so pleased that Claire is doing extremely well and I was so proud when she was well enough to complete some of the challenges with me, particularly the West Highland Way which was such an important challenge for both of us, the whole year has been unforgettable and I’m so grateful to everyone who has donated and supported us all.”

Claire started her nine rounds of intensive chemotherapy in March 2017 before having an intrusive operation to remove all of the tumours followed by an intensive course of radiotherapy. 

Claire has made a fantastic recovery, has just returned to work and is doing extremely well.

To find out more about the charity event being held this weekend or to purchase tickets, call Mark on 07766 374605 or email: info@micacoaching.co.uk.

Or if you would like to donate: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/macmillan12

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