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The engineer and University of Bath graduate, along with the other members of the four-man team - Steve Baker, Dan Baker and Jon Lakin - had all felt the devastating effects of cancer growing up, so the decision to raise money for Movember through the Atlantic rowing challenge was an obvious one.
The preparation was tough however, including raising the £100,000 needed to compete, through corporate sponsorship; HOWEVER, Mark was aided by the training he had received during his time as an engineer.
“It helped me to see the small details and work that into the bigger picture,” he says. “It was all about project management, as well as the softer skills I had learnt and being able to talk to people and get them involved. My engineering degree and my time at Rolls Royce and Babcock really helped with that.
“Being a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers helped me a lot as well,” he added “I am now working towards my Chartership and that demonstrates to people you know what you are talking about and are going to get the job done.”
Bristol team of four, Nuts Over the Atlantic, at the start line of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge L-R Steve Baker, Jon Lakin, Mark Gibson & Dan Baker
The challenge itself was a big test; Mark realised it pushed him beyond what he believed was achievable.
“There were a lot of lows, but some absolutely incredible highs as well,” he remembered. “When we first signed up we all thought it was going to be a big physical challenge, but in fact it was all about the mental challenges you face.
“We suffered quite a few boat issues along the way, including discovering a leak while already out on the water, but we came together strong as a team. We had to replace pretty much all the parts on the boat during the challenge, but it doesn’t matter how tough a situation is, providing you are all working towards the same goal you can overcome any adversity.”