A Montrose man will attempt to cycle from Land’s End to John o’ Groats to help pay for life-changing surgery for a local boy.
Rob Young is a family friend of Riley Murray (6), who has cerebral palsy and will never be able to walk unless he undergoes a specialist operation.
On August 7 the offshore worker will hit the saddle with the aim of travelling 150 miles a day for six days to raise funds for the procedure, which has to be carried out in Missouri, USA.
Rob, a keen cyclist, said, “I know it is going to be one of the toughest things I have done, and there will be days when it will push me to my maximum.
“But I will think of what Riley has been through already and that I have an opportunity to help him stand up and walk for the first time. My little bit of suffering is nothing compared to what Riley has had to endure.”
Riley’s parents need to raise £55,000 to pay for the surgery and estimate they will have to stay in the US for a month to let their son recover and get post-op physiotherapy.
Rob’s friend Gus Smith, from Montrose, has agreed to drive the back-up truck, which will be adorned with graphics advertising the event, provided free by Turner Graphics.
The cyclist is also hoping businesses will get in touch to sponsor his top, shorts and space left on the vehicle.
He said, “I have got a route made up and I have not actually booked accommodation yet, but I know the towns where I will be staying.
“Basically I am not giving myself a choice and I will have to get to these towns no matter how I am feeling.”
To sponsor the ride, call 01674 677173 or 07715764145. For more details and information about Riley, visit www.rileysfirststeps.org.