A WORCESTERSHIRE strongman is preparing to take on his "hardest challenge yet" to raise vital money for a heart-warming reason.
Evesham resident Mark Bond will pull a double-decker bus with people inside to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Mr Bond has had his own scares with cancer and has several friends and family members who have battled the disease.
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This will be the third heavy-weight object he will carry for the charity.
Mr Bond practising pulling the bus. (Image: Mark Bond)He previously pulled a truck and walked five kilometres with a washing machine on his back.
"I'm always nervous about doing new challenges as you are never sure what may happen," he said.
"I tend to feel nervous and anxious on the day - you need to try to control your thoughts like, can I move it?
"But after the initial move of the wheels, you focus on what's in front.
"I think this one may be the hardest to do.
"That's why my trainer, Ben Goss, is with me on practice days.
"He keeps an eye on my form and safety."
Mr Bond will be doing the pull at Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre near Moreton, which has led him to use their land for the charity event.
He will aim to pull the full double-decker 30 meters on July 20 but warned this is weather-dependent.
Mr Bond added: "I would like to thank Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre for allowing me to hold the event there and allowing me to hold practice days.
"Also, thank you to Troopers Lodge Motor Services for supplying the lovely vintage double-decker bus for the event plus the practice days.
"All the money raised will go to Cancer Research UK, as it's close to my heart and many others."
He admitted that pulling an articulated lorry and trailer was far easier than walking with a washing machine after he completed his last challenge in September 2023.
On the day, he had people cheering him on to keep going, which he said helped give him more momentum.
For the last three quarters, when things started to become challenging for Mr Bond, his trainer Ben Goss, walked beside him to offer encouragement.
So far, Mr Bond has raised £310 for Cancer Research UK.
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