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81-year-old Supergran becomes oldest woman to cycle 960 miles across Britain

81-year-old Mavis Paterson with her friend Heather Curley, 55 at John O'Groats on Saturday.
81-year-old Mavis Paterson with her friend Heather Curley, 55 at John O'Groats on Saturday.

Mavis Paterson is 81, but has just become the oldest woman to cycle the length of Britain after pledging to complete the gruelling challenge in memory of her three children.

The redoubtable Dumfriesshire character – dubbed Supergran – completed the 960-mile route from Land’s End to John O’Groats at the weekend after pedalling for 23 days.

Mrs Paterson embarked on the trek, alongside her friend Heather Curley, 55, in honour of her three children Sandy, Katie and Bob – who died four years apart from one another – as a way of coping with her “unimaginable grief”.

Speaking before the journey, she said: “It’s impossibly hard going from being part of a family of five to being alone, but taking on challenges like this that keep me going, and I’m happy I can do it to raise money for Macmillan.”

Following the death of her mother and sister to cancer, Mrs Paterson pledged her support to Macmillan Cancer Support and has subsequently raised thousands of pounds in donations for a cause she regards as vital.

Mrs Paterson has so far amassed more than £57,000 for the charity, smashing her initial £20,000 target.

Taking to social media after what she described as an “unforgettable journey”, she opened her heart to thank all those who offered her their backing.

She said: “[I’m] so very, very grateful for all the support, the fun, friendships, cyclists who joined for a few miles, vehicle drivers – especially for their tea-making skills, campsites, tearooms, gifts of home baking, gifts of cycling gear, teacakes and caramel wafers, liquid sustenance of all forms, good wishes, media interest, bike repairers, phone fixers, encouraging messages on social media, witnesses who signed verification sheets, sponsorship, and – of course – the donations.

“The funds for Macmillan Cancer Support will help so many people who need it, and that’s what matters.”

At the age of 71, she previously cycled across Canada to raise money for Macmillan, with her journey becoming the subject of a BBC documentary.

Then, just last year, she completed a 24-hour endurance cycle for the charity.

Derek Watson, Macmillan’s fundraising manager said: “Mavis is incredible. The challenge she has set herself is astounding and we cannot wait to cheer her on to get that world record.

“Her determination, her incredible level of fitness and her generosity, is astounding.

“We are so thankful that she has picked Macmillan as the charity she wants to support.”