In-Laws Compete on BBC's Race Across the World to Fulfill Sister's Final Wish

Mark Blythen, 67, and Margo Oakley, 59, became the first in-laws to participate in the BBC television program Race Across the World. The competition involves five pairs racing to a destination without using phones, internet, or air travel, while operating on a limited budget, with a £20,000 prize for the winners. Their decision to enter together followed the final wishes of Mark's wife and Margo's sister, Julia, who died in 2022 from myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer. The pair had a strained relationship for over four decades, with initial impressions being unfavorable on both sides. Mark met Julia while they were students at Huddersfield Polytechnic, and they were together for approximately 40 years. During Julia's illness, which began in 2019, Mark cared for her while Margo provided emotional support and joy. Julia explicitly expressed her desire for them to maintain their bond after her passing. Margo, who cares for her mother in Liverpool, saw an advertisement for the race and felt inspired to ask Mark, who agreed immediately. The new series premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 21:00 BST on Thursday, April 2. The journey included significant highs and lows, with the destination being Mongolia, though specific details were withheld to avoid spoilers. Both participants believe their experience of combining grief with adventure will resonate with others who have experienced loss.