Western Isles on route of marathon bike challenge

He overcame the challenges of battling cancer now Northumbrian Mick Dowling will get on his bike to raise money for the hospital that treated him.

The 74-year-old retired geography teacher from Fourstones near Hexham will peddle his way around the Scottish coastline, including the Western Isles on a marathon trek.

He hopes to raise a substantial amount for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Macmillan Nurses.

“Bike Ride In Aid Of Cancer Care”

He said that this latest challenge – a solo one – was just one of many long distances rides he has completed before.

He added: “I wanted to do something for the people who did so much for me, and this is my way of doing it.

The intrepid cyclist believes it will take him around a month to complete the ride.  He sets off on September 6 when his route will take him via Dumfries and Galloway to Ardrossan, island to the Western Isles.  When returning to the mainland the route goes north from Ullapool to Cape Wrath across to John O’Groats then south down the east coast to Berwick and Tynemouth before heading for home.

Donations to Mick can be made via Lloyds Bank in Hexham the account is named ‘Bike Ride In Aid Of Cancer Care’.

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