Stirling dad completes cross-country cycle ride for cancer charities
A Stirling dad who cycled more than 1,000 miles across the length of the UK for a special charity effort has said reaching the finish line was a 'life-changing' experience.
Ross Lang was part of a team of eight cyclists who have raised almost £50,000 for a pair of good causes after completing the 12-day trek from Land's End to John o'Groats.
They crossed the finish line last week, cheered on by family and friends - as well as the skirl of the pipes from the Wick RBLS Pipe Band.
After crossing the line, Ross admitted there were times where he wasn't sure about completing the gruelling pedal, but remembering the connection to the cause pushed him back into the saddle.
Ross said: 'It has been one of the best experiences of my life doing this ride.
'Cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats has always been an ambition, while raising so much money for Maggie's and Young Lives vs Cancer is just fantastic.
'It was tough going. Early on, I had a problem with my back, which I thought might stop me in my tracks, but the team's support and remembering why we were riding kept me going.'
Each rider had a deeply personal reason for taking on the challenge, having lost a wife, a parent or supported a loved one through cancer.
For Ross, 57, he was thinking about several people in his own life who have battled with cancer - including friends and partners - and in 2023, his stepfather passed away following a long battle with throat and lung cancer.
The Saltcoats-born dad was roared to the line by wife Jane and kids Ishbel and Dugald, as well as dog Jett.
Donations are still continuing to flood in above the £50,000 already raised - with the commitments set to be split equally between Maggie's, which offers practical and emotional support to people with cancer, and Young Lives vs Cancer which helps children and young people find strength as they fight the disease.
Ride Against Cancer organiser Jim Webster, co-founder of the architecture studio HAUS Collective, whose wife survived breast cancer, said: 'We took on this challenge to do something together that was positive after each of us had a loved one go through cancer and it's been both incredible and humbling.
'So many Scottish businesses stepped up to support us with logistics, supplies and donations and we've had an incredible team of helpers, including colleagues, friends and family.
'We know that cancer affects almost everyone at some point, but it really hit home during the ride as so many people stopped us after spotting our Ride Against Cancer jerseys to share their own stories.
'We're hugely grateful to everyone who's donated to help Maggie's and Young Lives vs Cancer be there for families when they need it most.'
To offer your support to the team's effort, you can still donate at givewheel.com/fundraising/6822/Ride-Against-Cancer.
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