A group of 21 keen cyclists are preparing to take on the Ride The North charity cycle for Maggie’s Aberdeen later this month (August 27-28).
The 175-mile ride will begin and finish in Rhynie after a loop up to Inverness and taking in the picturesque highland scenery on route.
The charity provides a unique programme of practical, emotional and social support to anyone affected by cancer. This support is provided by professional staff across a network of centres in the UK.
The 21 strong group is made up of and a number of centre visitors together with employees from companies such as Brodies, Activpayroll and Walkers Shortbread, who are sponsors of Ride The North.
One of the team is father of two, Richard Haugh, who is set to take on the two-day, 175-mile cycle challenge for a second time after being treated for bowel cancer following his diagnosis in 2012.
Mr Haugh said: “It’s hard to imagine that three and a half years ago I was fighting for my life after being told I had bowel cancer. After recuperation I decided I wanted to get fit after gaining weight through my treatment and the fitter you are there is less chance of a relapse.
“I thought cycling would be a great way to get fit and get me out and about again. The time on my bike not only makes me physically stronger but also, benefits me mentally after my ordeal. I started cycling a few miles and gradually built this up. Ride The North is a great way to allow me to give something back to Maggie’s Aberdeen after the support the staff at the centre gave me and my family from the beginning and throughout my treatment. We continue to visit the centre to this day.
“The Ride The North event is a great opportunity to get together with others to support great charities and with the knowledge that it’s not a race, but a cycling challenge that celebrates the sport and the picturesque scenery is just superb.”
The popular event starts in Rhynie where the cyclists will begin their long and hilly ride up to Inverness, passing through Dufftown, Glenlivet and Tomintoul. Day two follows with the final 90-miles beginning at Culloden and the route continuing on through Forres, Elgin and Fochabers, finishing with the climb over The Cabrach and the descent into Rhynie to the finishing line.
Susan Sutherland, centre head at Maggie’s Aberdeen commented: “We are delighted that we have a team, yet again, taking part in the fantastic Ride The North event. Each year we have a team complete it, I only hear great things from each cyclist. They all enjoy the extremely testing route, whilst raising the valuable funds that helps to keep Maggie’s centres operational.
“This year alone Maggie’s Aberdeen has had more than 5,000 visits from people affected by cancer who have been able to benefit from our unique programme of support. To continue to offer that support, Maggie’s Aberdeen relies entirely on voluntary fundraising including the generous donations we receive from corporations like Fifth Ring, Brodies and Activpayroll.
“I would like to wish the team all the luck ahead of the event.”
To support Richard and the team riding for Maggie’s please visit -https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Richard-Haugh3
Built in the grounds of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Maggie’s Aberdeen is a warm and welcoming place, with qualified professionals on hand to offer an evidence-based core programme of support that has been shown to improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
Maggie’s Aberdeen relies on voluntary donations to support and grow its network of centres and to develop its unique, high quality programme of support. The charity’s aim is to make the biggest difference possible to people living with cancer and their family and friends.
To find out more about Maggie’s Aberdeen and to see how the centre supports people with cancer across North-east Scotland please visit the centre at the Elizabeth Montgomery Building, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Westburn Road, Aberdeen or get in touch on 01224 645928 or at aberdeen@maggiescentres.org.