Honiton lady taking part in an 8-hour cycling event in memory of her partner

Louise Carpenter is undertaking an all-day static bike ride outside Honiton Tesco's on Saturday, in memory of her partner. Mark, who was from Exeter, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2018. He sadly died just 18 months later, at the age of 52.

Louise is raising money for FORCE Cancer Charity, which is based in Exeter. Mark's friends are also helping to raise money for FORCE.

Louise and Mark were together for eight years. They met at a staff Christmas party when they both worked for Brend Hotels.

Honiton Leisure Centre has lent her a static bike, and she will start the challenge at 9:30am and is hoping to keep going until 5pm.

Mark's family and friends have come together to raise money for FORCE, as a thank you for the care and support which Mark received during his illness.

Mark and Louise used the free services available at FORCE to anyone locally affected by cancer, including

complementary therapies and financial advice from Mike Watson, the Citizen's Advice benefits consultant based at FORCE. Mark grew up in North Devon and was a keen member of the Ilfracombe and District Youth Band Blazing Sounds, playing euphonium and drums. He played football for Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and, after moving to Exeter, Kentisbeare, Topsham Town and Broadclyst. In his mid-forties he started refereeing, for which he won an award. Discussing the challenge, Louise said: "It's definitely going to be a challenge but I'm looking forward to it. I'm worried about my bum more than anything else! "FORCE were amazing, just so brilliant. The centre provides a relaxing and stress-free environment that really does make the world of difference when facing such stressful and uncertain times. "It is an absolute honour to be able to fundraise for such a worthy charity and to be able to give something back that will benefit other patients and their families in the future." Mark's friends are also fundraising for FORCE: in April they will be cycling from Exeter to Norwich, to attend the final Ipswich Town match of the season, on Saturday April 30. The group hope to raise £6,000 in Mark's memory. You can make a donation here