A Johnstone personal trainer is getting ready for what he believes will be his toughest challenge yet: a 300-mile bike ride taking in all 12 Scottish Premiership stadiums in just three days.

Mark Butler, 39, who runs MBPT Fitness from Evolution Gym in Johnstone, is taking on the ride for Movember, the charity that funds work on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

He'll set off from Pittodrie in Aberdeen on Wednesday 18 November and, with St Mirren Park among the grounds on the route, finish at Ibrox, home of his beloved Rangers, three days later.

Inspired by his dad

The cause is a personal one. "My father, Walter, has suffered from prostate cancer for a number of years now and this has been my main driver for raising funds and awareness of this horrible cancer," Mark said.

He has been running a Movember team challenge for eight years. Last year a team of around 40 people raised more than £18,000, a record, taking the seven-year total past £63,000. This year's target is another £18,000.

"It is a huge target and will only become a reality through a combined team effort," he said. "The bigger the team, the greater the chance we have of meeting the target, but ultimately raising awareness of men's mental health and prostate cancer is the objective."

Out of his comfort zone

Last November Mark ran 5km every five hours for five days in freezing conditions, finishing every run in under 25 minutes. This time he's swapping his trainers for a bike.

"Cycling is not in my comfort zone and something I find a challenge at the best of times," said Mark, who lives in Kilmacolm. "The longest cycle I have ever done is 60 miles and I will have to cover almost double that for three consecutive days."

He'll be joined by his friend and client Andrew, a more experienced cyclist who will help plan the safest and most efficient route. Mark is still looking for sponsorship to help cover the cost of the challenge.

How to get involved

Anyone can join Mark's team by growing a moustache, or by walking, running or cycling 5km every day in November. He's also keen for local businesses to get involved, whether by donating a raffle prize or encouraging staff to sign up.

To round it all off, Mark is hosting his first Movember ceilidh on Friday 27 November, from 7pm to midnight at Midton Bowling Club in Howwood, with live music, dancing and the raffle draw.

Image: High Street, Johnstone. Photo: Leslie Barrie, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.