Mark and Margo for Race Across The World S6 / BBC
Relationship: In-Laws
Ages: Mark, 66 and Margo, 59
From: Mark, London and Margo, Liverpool
Jobs: Mark, Retired Architect and Margo, Hypnotherapist
What made you want to take part?
Mark: “Because Margo asked me to, that’s the reason why – it was Margo’s idea! It’s always appealed to me the idea of going exotic places, meeting interesting people and going somewhere that you would never go by yourself.”
Margo: “Someone told me about the series, and I watched it and went, ‘that’s got me written all over it’. I just love impulsive, crazy things and adventure. I said, ‘I’m going to do that’ and the first person who came to mind was Mark. It seemed like a good time in our lives. We’ve been through this experience with losing my big sister (Julia) and him losing his wife. It seemed like a celebratory thing that we could do together. This was a new journey that could be exciting and like a renewal.”
Do you have a strategy?
Mark: “Yes, to win. To win, but to have fun and have experiences all the way through. It’s all about having experiences that you wouldn’t have anywhere else and making the most of it. It’s very special and we feel very privileged to actually have been chosen.”
Margo: “We want to make the most of it, make the most of every day, and be in the moment. But we do plan to race. We’ve got a double strategy of a rich experience and race like hell. We’ve been given an opportunity that very few people get and we believe we can do it.”
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Mark: “I’m quite good in terms of the urban environments. I’m good at remembering routes, so if I walk somewhere, I can walk back, and I can remember the route. Margo is very good with people and interacting with people.”
Margo: “If someone’s giving us instructions, I will do the intro chat and then will say can you tell my friend here how we get there. As soon as they start the instructions, my brain will just shut down, so it’ll be like a double act. Weaknesses, I like to eat lots of food, and I think the budget’s limited. I’m also messy and forgetful.”
Mark: “I think forgetfulness is a big thing for both of us, leaving something behind, like leaving Margo behind – that does worry me. We left the hotel yesterday and I left my book in the hotel.”
Which home comforts will you struggle to live without?
Mark: “Cycling, playing football on a Friday evening with my mates, and of course my son and cats!”
Margo: “I’m going to miss my dog Bailey, my family, especially the lovely Ed, and my mum, who is 95 and my partner is mischief.”
Do you think the race could change anything about your relationship?
Mark: “I think for me, it’s about finding out a bit more about myself, and having more confidence in myself, my presentation and my engagement with other people.”
Margo: “For me, because I’ve had a lot of caring responsibilities with my mum and with Julia, alongside being a parent to my children, and my job, it’s a chance to step off and ask who I am. I’m 60 next year and there’s a whole world out there. I want to just to experience myself and other people in different environments.”
Race Across The World continues Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
