'I know why I’m doing it and that’s what gives me the motivation' - Huntly fundraiser's 40-mile cycle challenge for Marie Curie
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A HUNTLY fundraiser is cycling 40 miles for charity this weekend – despite racking up only three miles in training.
Billy Thomson (58) said he has never trained for a bike ride challenge, despite successfully completing three of the challenges since he began fundraising for Marie Curie in 2010.
He plans to cycle from a farm near Dufftown to Cumineston on Saturday, August 5.
Marie Curie nurses cared for Billy's dad when he had terminal cancer, which inspired Billy's efforts to step up and raise cash "mostly every year".
“The reason I got involved is because Marie Curie nurses looked after my dad in 2009, when he had cancer, and they were very good," Billy said.
“I lost my dad in 2009 and decided that I would do something mostly every year after that.
“They have been really helpful, and they really can’t do enough for people."
Billy has completed two charity cycles in the past for Marie Curie and, supporting a different cause, once ran to Inverness from Elgin along the A96.
But his efforts have not been limited to athletic feats.
In previous years, Billy has had his legs waxed, dyed his hair pink for a month and had half of his head and face shaved in a "harlequin haircut" for Marie Curie.
Having only missed one year since 2010, and raising around £250 on average, he estimates he has raised at least £2500.
Billy said his mum is proud of the work he has done to support Marie Curie, and said his dad would be too.
“Cancer affects everybody in one way or another," Billy said.
“So I think he would be proud.
“And my mum is proud of what I have done.
“I’m just quite happy I’m still fit enough to help them, because a lot of folk want to do something and can’t do it.
“I said this was going to be my last time, but if I’m still fit enough then I’ll keep going."
Around £250 has already been raised, between Billy's JustGiving page and a sponsorship form.
Ahead of his big cycle, Billy will stay the night at a farm where his father used to live.
Setting off from the farm, he will pass the finish line at Cumineston where his dad was brought up.
“I know that as soon as I make it over the hill out of Dufftown, up over there, I’m pretty much there," Billy said.
“I’m ready to go. I just want to get going.
“I haven’t done a lot of training, I think about three miles?
“But I've never have trained for a ride run yet.
“I know why I’m doing it and that’s what gives me the motivation."
Billy thanked: Tesco Huntly for agreeing to supply snacks and water on the day; Glenfiddich, for organising his farm stay; his son for agreeing to take him to Dufftown ahead of his challenge; and those who have sponsored him.
He also praised the Bikery in Huntly for servicing his bike and Marie Curie, who have bought him a cycling outfit and have helped to organise pit stops.
Click here to view Billy's JustGiving page, or search for: Billy Thomson's bike ride on justgiving.com
