Landowner's team go extra mile

A LOCAL landowner is gearing up for a 200-mile cycle with friends later this month to aid cancer research.

Duffus Estate owner Ed Dunbar will set off alongside friends Terry Millard, from Duffus, and Pete Richardson and Roy Cook, both from Hopeman, cranking up the miles from John O' Groats to Hopeman over a single day on Saturday, July 27, which they expect to complete within 15 hours. Another team member, Andy Middlecoate, will provide vehicle support.

The riders are raising funds for Cancer Research in memory of friend Rachel Reid, who lost her brave fight with cancer in May, and for family and friends who are fighting cancer and those lost to the disease.

Ed said: "Rachel was a well-known, active member of the community, a loving mother, wife and good friend. She is sorely missed by us all.

"She knew of our planned ride but, sadly, was taken too soon, aged 50. This has made us more determined than ever to complete the challenge and raise as much money as we can for Cancer Research, which is a charity that meant a lot to Rachel.

"Maybe, with our help, cancer can be beaten sooner. This is for Rachel, Sophie, Neville, Tessa and all those who have been affected by this disease."

Ed added: "We are taking a route from John O' Groats that avoids the A9 and A96 for safety reasons. Camping the night before, we will set off early, around 6am, and we will pass though Altnaharra, Lairg, Bonar Bridge, Dingwall and Muir of Ord before Inverness, and thereafter taking the back road via Culloden, Cawdor and Brodie, with a planned finish at Hopeman Harbour on the evening of the 27th.

"We are wishing for a fine day with a tail wind – but we all know what Scottish weather can be like."

To donate go to www://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/roys-giving-page-15.

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