Luton Town fan cycles to every away game to raise mental health awareness
Mark Crowther is cycling more than 100 miles to Mansfield today
Luton Town fan takes on 100-mile cycle to Mansfield for mental health charities
A Luton Town fan is back on two wheels this season, cycling to every away game as part of a fundraising challenge aimed at raising awareness of mental health.
Mark Crowther is cycling more than 100 miles to Mansfield today as the Hatters travel to face Mansfield Town.
It is the third time Crowther has taken on the challenge, having previously cycled to Luton’s away games in 2022 and 2024.
This season, his ‘Every Mind Matters’ campaign is supporting several charities and organisations, including Mind, The Ollie Foundation and Bedford MS Therapy Centre.
Crowther says his own experiences with mental health have helped shape his motivation.
He said: “My story is my own struggles with mental health.”
The campaign aims not only to raise money, but to encourage people to talk about their mental health and check in on those around them.
Crowther says he remembers a time when there was much more stigma around mental health, with people being told to simply “man up”.
He believes it is important to remind people that there is nothing to be ashamed of and that support is available.
“It’s so important that we raise awareness that it’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he said.
“There is always someone to listen and there is help and support out there, whatever you’re going through.”
The long rides are not without their difficult moments, but Crowther says messages of support from people following his journey help him keep going.
He receives messages on his phone while cycling and says that, although he may be physically alone on the road, he does not feel alone.
He also says hearing from people who have personally benefited from the charities he is supporting has put the challenge into perspective.
Crowther has raised more than £50,000 through his cycling challenges over the years.