Charlie's epic motorbike challenge

In May and June, renowned actor and avid motorcyclist Charles Dale embarked on an unforgettable month-long charity motorcycle ride across England and Wales in memory of his dear friend Shaun Griffiths, who tragically passed away following a brain injury in October 2024. His adventure became known as Shaun’s TT One Hundred.

Charles – or Charlie to his friends – is a Welsh actor known for his film and many TV appearances including Coronation Street, The Lakes and latterly as Big Mac in the BBC’s Casualty.

Charlie said: “Just over six months ago one of my oldest and best friends suffered a catastrophic brain injury because of what can only be described as a “silly” household accident - he slipped on the stairs. Unfortunately for Shaun this resulted in a bleed on the brain and just over a week later his family had to make the most difficult decision ever, to withdraw life support. Shaun died shortly after; he was 63.

“When you get to my age you are unfortunately no stranger to death, but losing loved ones to old age or illness, though no less painful, has always sort of made sense to me. This however was different, I couldn’t make sense of it. Shaun slipped on the stairs, something we’ve all done, and yet my lovely, always smiling friend of over 40 years, was gone.

I had to do something, so after talking with his family, ‘Shaun’s TT One Hundred’ was born.

With support from celebrity connections and leading names in the biking world, the ride saw him smash out an exciting high-profile event raising vital funds for two charities: Headway – the brain injury association and Brain Tumour Research.

Jen Murgatroyd, Director of Fundraising at Headway UK, said: "We’re proud to join Brain Tumour Research in celebrating Charles’ remarkable journey. This collaboration is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds, bringing hope, support, and life-changing services to those affected by brain injury and their families. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved and a huge well done to Charles!”

Donate to Shaun's TT One Hundred here. 

Key facts

• The ride took 22 days
• Charlie travelled over 3200 miles
• He visited 103 cafes along
• At time of writing he has raised over £6000!

Charles with Headway CEO Luke Griggs