Brother's superhero challenge in memory of Norfolk businessman
Chris and Christina Everard preparing for their superhero challenge and, inset, Chris's brother Mark who died in December 2021 from cancer. - Credit: Chris Everard/supplied by family
A man is preparing for the first of three exhausting challenges in memory of his Norfolk businessman brother.
Photographer Chris Everard is raising money for Mark Everard's favourite charity – Great Yarmouth’s Centre 81.
Mark Everard, a founding director of Ovamill, has been described as "kind and generous" by those who knew him - Credit: SUPPLIED BY FAMILY
Mark, from Gorleston, was a founder of Beccles-based building firm Ovamill and died in December last year from cancer aged 59.
Chris kicks off his challenges on June 18 when he and his wife Christina take part in the Norfolk Superhero Challenge, which involves a one-mile sea swim, four-mile kayak, 45-mile bike ride and eight-mile run on Holkham beach.
Marathon fundraisers Chris and Christina Everard. - Credit: Chris Everard
The very next day he will tackle the Wells Harbour Triathlon – a one-mile sea swim, 24-mile bike ride and six-mile run across Wells beach.
In September he will take part in a half-ironman event in Weymouth.
Mark was a former trustee and big supporter of Centre 81, which operates a skills and activities centre for disabled people and an affordable community transport service in Great Yarmouth.
Flashback: Ovamill director Mark Everard with Diana Staines (right), chief executive of Centre 81, and members of the charity’s skills and activities centre Joseph Smith and Michelle Osborne Picture: TMS Media - Credit: Archant
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Chris said: “Centre 81 was very close to Mark’s heart and he raised a lot of money for the charity over the years.
"He loved sport, particularly cricket and football, and was a keen Norwich City supporter.
"I’m sure he would approve of taking up sporting challenges to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause.”
Centre 81, which is currently based in Tar Works Road, is redeveloping Yare House in Morton Peto Road into a new base for its activities, with space for other charities.
A convoy of Ovamill vehicles escorted the family of Mark Everard to his funeral at St Nicholas Church in Great Yarmouth - Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
It will relocate to the new premises in July.
Diana Staines, Centre 81’s chief executive, said: “I feel exhausted just thinking about the challenges Chris and Christina are undertaking but feel so grateful that they are doing all this to support us and to remember Mark.
Diana Staines of Centre 81, Great Yarmouth - Credit: Centre 81
“Mark was a great friend to Centre 81 and we miss his wisdom, counsel and good humour.
"I know he would be very proud of Chris and Christina’s efforts to raise funds for our £1.5 million redevelopment project.”
To make a donation visit the Just Giving website and search for Chris Everard.
