Two friends are preparing to set off on their long-held ambitions to cycle the length of the country for a cause close to their hearts.
Scott Cummings, 48, and Paul Beaumont, 52, will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats this summer in aid of cancer charities Clan and Macmillan.
Both men have their reasons for supporting the charities, and decided that this was the year to try and achieve their cycling challenge.
They hope to complete the 1,000-mile route in two weeks, and will be carrying all their gear with them.
Retired police officer Mr Beaumont lost his mum Edna to pancreatic cancer in June last year.
After taking ill on holiday in 2017 she was taken home and rushed to hospital where she got her diagnosis.
Mr Beaumont, from Mintlaw, said: “Unfortunately treatment was unsuccessful and on the June 27, 2018 she died.
“Mum was a keen equestrian person owning and being involved with horses most of her life.
“She was an active individual who enjoyed walking Tess the border Collie with my dad Allan.”
He has since run the London Marathon in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK and has now chosen to cycle for Macmillan who supported the family.
He and life-long friend Mr Cummings have already completed Hadrian’s Wall and the Loch Ness Etape together, and are looking forward to the next challenge.
Mr Cummings, from Banff, chose to support Clan in thanks for the support provided to his wife, Sandy.
He said: “Sandy was diagnosed with invasive stage three breast cancer in January 2012 and had to undergo immediate surgery and then a course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and herceptine over the next year.
“Thankfully she made a fully recovery.
“Throughout the treatments both Macmillian and Clan were amazing providing support to Sandy and our family.
“She had a few weeks residing in Clan house in Aberdeen whilst receiving radiotherapy.
“As a family this was our first encounter with cancer and have since realised just how many people are affected by it and the amazing work that Macmillian and Clan do.”
To raise money ahead of the cycle, the pair are hosting a coffee morning in Whitehills on July 27. To find out more, or to support them, search for Paul & Scott’s 1000 miler – Land’s End to John O’Groats on Facebook or visit
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ScottandPaul6
