A group of Moray cyclists who covered 400 miles and raised over £40,000 in memory of a teenager who died of cancer are getting back in the saddle for another inspired charity challenge.
Walter Sutherland, of Lossiemouth, and 26 friends from the Moray Wheelers cycled 400 miles in memory of his son Scott, who died of a rare type of bone cancer in 2002, aged just 18.
The group raised about £41,000 during the 2012 Hebridean Cycling Challenge – and are now gearing up to raise even more for Cancer Research UK.
They will make the 320-mile return trip to Skye over 96 hours, leaving from Elgin on Friday.
Mr Sutherland, a full-time RAF reservist officer said: “Cancer is a devastating disease and of course Scott’s death hit my family hard.
“I wanted to do something fitting in his memory that would raise money to help scientists in their work to improve treatments.
“Everyone from Moray Wheelers who took part in the Hebridean Challenge did so for different reasons, but Cancer Research UK is a cause that resonates with all of us. Unfortunately, we have all been touched by cancer in some way.”
Scott was a Forres Academy pupil living in Hopeman when he became unwell, and tests revealed he was suffering from Ewing’s sarcoma. He died on the 30th September 2002, less than five months after his diagnosis.
Mr Sutherland added: “Scott would have been proud of the efforts of everyone in the Moray Wheelers who really are going the extra mile to raise this money for Cancer Research UK.
“The West Highland Challenge won’t be easy for the cyclists whose average age is over 60 and whose oldest member Ed McCann, from Hopeman, is 70 this year.
“There are a lot of miles across hilly terrain to cover, but I know that everyone’s passion and enthusiasm for this cause will see them cross the finish line with flying colours.”
Dorothy Rodger, local fundraising Mmanager for Cancer Research UK said “It is fantastic that Walter and the Moray Wheelers have continued to support us and we can’t thank them enough.”
To sponsor the group, visit www.justgiving.com/moraywheelers15