Remembering Mark Doyle - A Much Loved Member of Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers

This week, Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers and the wider local running community came together to remember and celebrate the life of one of our much-loved members, Mark Doyle, who sadly passed away on his 51st birthday after a brave battle with cancer.

Mark was someone who truly represented everything that is special about our club. He was kind, supportive and always willing to help others. Whether it was at a club run, a race, a parkrun event or helping fellow runners, Mark was always there with a smile and a positive attitude. He was very well liked and respected by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Mark was also very open about his illness and shared his journey with others. His honesty, courage and determination inspired many people, and even during the toughest times he continued to think about others and support those around him.

A runner, volunteer and friend

Mark became a regular part of the running community after completing his first parkrun in 2017. He quickly became a familiar face at Ormskirk parkrun, where he made many friends and created countless memories.

He developed a reputation as the “PB King”, achieving an incredible 24 personal best times. For many runners, personal bests become harder to achieve over time, but Mark had the determination and commitment to keep pushing himself.

His love of running went beyond his own performances. Mark volunteered at parkrun on many occasions, taking on different roles and always giving his time generously. He brought a positive attitude to everything he did and was always ready to support others.

Mark was also a proud member of Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers and enjoyed being part of the wider running community, including EPOTs, Monday Runners, Edge Hill Wednesday Improvers and the Tawdskirk Virtual parkrun during the Covid lockdown period. He also enjoyed taking part in the SBH Wednesday Walk and Talk, a monthly club event, where he shared time with fellow members and often took part alongside his son Oliver.

Tributes, Memories and Running in Mark’s Honour

The first tribute to Mark took place at the Thursday evening SBH club run, where members came together to remember a great friend and clubmate. Runners from Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers were joined by members of EPOT, with everyone setting off together as one large group in Mark’s memory.

The group completed a run around the Tawd Valley parkrun route, a place that held many memories for Mark and the wider running community. Afterwards, Vicki, Oliver and Sam joined friends at the Miners Peg, where everyone was able to share stories, memories and celebrate the life of someone who meant so much to so many people.

Mark’s wider running family also came together at Ormskirk parkrun, where a one-minute applause was held in his memory. Runners wore colours representing the different parts of Mark’s running life — amber for Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers and his fundraising support for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, blue for EPOT and orange for Tawdskirk.

The same day, Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers held a special Backyard Ultra in Mark’s honour. The event saw 30 runners take part, with friends and club members also attending to support the runners and be part of the occasion.

Together, the runners covered an incredible 459 miles, raising nearly £1,000 for Queenscourt Hospice, the charity that cared for Mark during his final days.

Every penny raised will go directly to Queenscourt Hospice, and the event was a wonderful reflection of Mark’s spirit — people coming together, supporting each other and making a difference.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sbh-cobyu 

Forever part of the SBH family

Mark leaves behind many friends who will miss his kindness, humour and friendship. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy go to Vicki, Oliver and Sam at this incredibly difficult time.

Although Mark is no longer with us, his memory will continue through the people he inspired, the friendships he created and the many miles that were run alongside him.

Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers will always remember Mark Doyle — a true gentleman, a great club member and a friend who will never be forgotten.