Former Highland soldier from Drumnadrochit has completed the North Coast 500 for charity and is already gearing up to two more fundraising rides in memory of his sister – Colin Marshall is currently doing the Deloitte Ride Across Britain, which is a 970-mile route between Land’s End and John O’Groats
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A former Highland soldier has completed the North Coast 500 for charity and is already gearing up to two more fundraising rides in memory of his sister in the coming weeks – despite being seriously injured in a road accident last year.
Colin Marshall’s sister, Karen Marshall, was just 46 when she died in November 2019 following a short battle with cervical cancer which was diagnosed following a fall.
Mr Marshall (45), who was originally from Culloden but now lives in Drumnadrochit, said: “She received chemotherapy treatment, but on a follow- up appointment she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer on a Tuesday, lost consciousness on the Friday and passed peacefully 10 days later in Highland Hospice.”
He said that two weeks before they had spoken about raising funds for all the charities that helped her during her treatment.
So far he has raised £2434 for Cancer Research by completing a number of bike rides, including the Etape Loch Ness, and has so far raised £200 for Macmillan.
In addition he has received a message of support from cycling world record-holder Mark Beaumont which helped boost the fundraising and his family raised £3000 for Highland Hospice by organising a charity Burns Supper.
He has also signed up for the Deloitte Ride Across Britain, which is a 970-mile route between Land’s End and John O’Groats over nine days this month and is due to end this Sunday.
However, he faced a major setback last year when he was seriously injured after being hit by a car just before the first lockdown.
He said: “I was hit from behind, catapulted over the car for roughly 10-12ft in the air. I had suspected broken ribs, blunting on my left lung, right ankle injury, right calf hematoma, broken fingers, staved wrists.
“We believed we picked up Covid at this time as a family we had been isolating for two weeks prior. The accident happened on March 20, 2020, to the first lockdown.
“As well as the physical aspects I also suffered depression due to the lack of inactivity, sleep deprivation – I was being jolted out of my sleep as if I was being hit again.
“My sister’s death came to the forefront as well as my mental health deteriorated.”
Mr Marshall served for 24 years in the Army, originally with the Queen’s Own Highlanders and eventually the 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
He was awarded the Queen’s commendation for valuable service in 2009 for operations while he was serving in Iraq.
