'Just a disappointment' - Luton fan devastated after charity cycling challenge bike stolen en route to match
A Luton Town supporter has been left devastated after his bicycle was stolen during a fundraising challenge.
Mark Crowther had spent months preparing to cycle from Luton to Huddersfield as part of his Every Mind Matters Hatters Away Challenge, raising money for mental health charities.
But the fundraising challenge was thrown into disarray after his bike was stolen from outside a coffee shop during his journey.
Mark the ‘Mad Hatter’ had stopped to refuel, and says he left his bicycle outside unattended for no longer than a minute.
He said: “It was against the window, so I literally came out, and the first thought was, ‘Oh, maybe someone's moved it because it was in the way.’
“So I walked around Starbucks, couldn't see it, and then I realised it had been taken.”
Northamptonshire Police said they received a report of a bicycle theft outside Starbucks on Harborough Road in Northampton, at around 2.20pm on Monday (October 2).
The theft left Mark unable to complete the planned journey, which involved taking time off work and arranging accommodation.
He said: “The planning and preparation had gone into the two days' cycle, taking time off work, finding accommodation.
“It's just the fact that I couldn't complete the challenge, just a disappointment.”
The stolen bicycle was particularly important to him because of its distinct Hatters colours and the work involved in ensuring it was properly fitted.
He said: “It's very specific, the colours of it. So I got it specifically for the orange. And a lot of work in terms of bike fitting so that I'm aligned to the bike.”
Mark is now hoping to borrow another bicycle to continue his challenge, with his next planned away-day cycle to Burton Albion on November 21.
He said: “If I can borrow a bike, I'll cycle next weekend, but other than that, the next away cycle is Burton, which is at the end of the month.”
He fears he may not recover his original bicycle, adding: “If I don't hear anything within the next week, the chances are I won't see that bike again, which is very upsetting.”
Despite the setback, Mark praised the support he had received from fellow supporters and the Luton community.
He said: “The goodwill, the messages of support from everyone at the football club, from the community, has been unbelievable.”
His Every Mind Matters campaign is raising money for mental health causes, including Mind BLMK, The Ollie Foundation and Bedford MS Therapy Centre.
Mark has previously completed major challenges following Luton Town across the country and has raised more than £50,000 through his fundraising efforts.
Donations can be made through his JustGiving page.
Mark will at some point cycle from Northampton to Huddersfield, but for now he will be travelling by car to the Luton away-game fixture.
Anyone with information can contact Northamptonshire Police online or by calling 101 by quoting crime reference number 26000677244. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.