Double tragedy inspires epic cycling challenge as Richard Guest pedals 600 miles in memory of his wife and work colleague who were both cared for by Highland Hospice
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A cyclist who lost his wife to cancer a year ago is tackling an epic 600-mile cycle ride in aid of the charity which cared for her.
Beauly’s Richard Guest began the trip from Ardnamurchan Point – the most westerly point of the Scottish mainland – to England’s most easterly point, Lowestoft, yesterday.
He is raising the cash for Highland Hospice, with £2000 pledged so far.
His wife, Jonie, died at the hospice almost a year ago and he wanted to mark the anniversary of her passing by undertaking the cycle ride as a thank you to those who had cared for her.
The challenge is also dedicated to the memory of a former work colleague, Iain Wallace, who he had known for more than 25 years and who, by sad coincidence, died in the hospice on the same day as Jonie.
“The reason for choosing this route is that I have previously cycled from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, raising money for cancer research on the way, and from John O’ Groats to Ardnamurchan,” Mr Guest said.
“On both those rides I was supported by Jonie in our motorhome. This time I will be on my own, staying in bed and breakfasts on the way.”
Planning to complete the journey in 15 days, he is already thinking even further ahead than that.
“In a future year, I hope to ride from Lowestoft to Land’s End, thus completing a figure-of-eight trip linking the extremities of the British mainland,” he said.
Hospice fundraiser Emma Nicol wished him luck for the trip, adding: “What he is doing for Highland Hospice is really incredible.”
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