Profiles

Whilst some people run a marathon or shave their heads to raise money or awareness of a cause dear to their heart, 31-year-old Mark Barwell went one step further to make his point.

Mark took part in the Brighton & Hove Naked Bike Ride, one of a series of similar events taking place around the world to raise awareness of various environmental issues affecting our world.

Mark has no problem with being naked

Naturally, the sight of hundreds of naked cyclists was going generate a fair amount of interest, but ahead of the event, did the idea of baring all to the watching world not worry him at all?

"Initially it did, but I have no problem with it myself. It was obviously the things like the legality of the situation and whether or not that could be cleared up.

"Sussex police are right behind the ride - they're supporting it and protecting the riders from any adversity they may come across.

"To be honest I've got used to the idea by now and I'm looking forward to a nice day out."

He added: "Most of my sponsors actually included that as part of their conditions!

"But the tag line is 'as bare as you dare' so you don't strictly need to be completely naked. You can wear underwear, or items of clothing - the idea is to be as loud as possible really, so body painting and various different decorations for yourself or your bike."

Mark also used the event as an opportunity to raise the profile of the South East Essex Dragons environmental action group, which he co-founded.

"We identified a need in the area for environmental awareness. There were lots of people coming up to us and saying 'we'd like to know more about campaigns, we'd like to get involved', so we set up the local Southend branch."

"We've set up meetings with topics that people can come and discuss. Things like perma-culture, transition towns, the use of eco-magic which is raising positive energy towards these concerns."

BBC Essex's Ian Wyatt has been speaking with Mark. Click on the link below to hear more.