150 miles in a day for Macmillan

A TECHNICAL sales advisor from Fife is cycling more than 150 miles to Forres to raise money for charity.

Stuart Dalgarno (41), whose family live in the town, will donate any funds he makes to the Macmillan cancer charity once he completes the challenge on Saturday, July 20.

He said: "I have a couple of family members who are currently suffering with cancer and can see the work that Macmillan do makes them more comfortable.

"I'm quite excited! I’ve never done more than 100 miles in a day so I'm looking forward to trying it. I also look forward to seeing the route from a different perspective. I’ve driven up and now the A9 so many times, doing 60/70mph - it’ll be great to take in so much more when I’m doing 14/15mph!"

Stuart's parents live at Pilmuir Road West. His mum's parents were Paddy and Nancy of Roysvale Place, and his uncle Kevin Brennan still lives in Warden Place, just off High Street.

Over the last five years, Stuart has cycled around 10 sportive events including the Etape Loch Ness. This year alone he's completed almost 3000 miles, riding with friends once or twice a week and commuting to work over a 20-mile round trip.

He plans to complete the sponsored challenge over rural roads and National Cycle Route 7 via Glenfarg, Perth, Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Nethy Bridge, Grantown and the Dava Moor.

He said: "I’ll be riding my cyclocross - a road racing bike with wider, knobblier tyres than a racing bike. Some of the route will be on the path which runs along side the A9 between Pitlochry and Aviemore which is a bit too rough in places for narrow road bike tyres.

"I hope to do the challenge more or less alone but I’ll be sure to have plenty food and spare tubes."

Stuart is inviting anyone who wants to join him on the Aviemore to Forres section to call him on 07742430205.

He can be sponsored at https://www.justgiving.com/Stuart-Dalgarno2