Dundee United have thrown their support behind a gruelling charity cycle inspired by a terminally-ill Cupar man.
Father-of-one Derrick Duncan (35), a keen United fan and former season ticket holder for many years, suffers from a brain tumour which among other side effects, impacts on his speech and memory.
In his honour, four of his close pals will this autumn set off on their three day challenge where they plan to pedal to all 12 Scottish Premier League football grounds covering a massive 450 miles.
The idea came from Derrick and childhood friend John Grant, of St Andrews cycling shop Spokes, who wanted to raise money for the specialist cancer care unit at Ninewells Hospital, Ward 32, where Derrick receives intensive treatment.
Three years ago, roughly at around the same time his wife Lesley was giving birth to their daughter Anna, Derrick was given the devastating news that he had a brain tumour.
He began treatment at Ward 32, where the former chairman of Dundee United, Eddie Thompson was also cared for.
With his condition now terminal, the Fife man hopes to help others and fund new medical facilities including a wet room and extra syringe drivers for patients.
The team of cyclists includes John Grant, originally of Ceres, who will be joined by Robert Cassidy, Paul Harrison and Gordon Trayner, who are all from Dundee and all former patients at Ward 32.
Derrick’s wife Lesley yesterday praised the men for their effort.
“This is giving Derrick something to get his teeth into. He just wishes he could do it himself,” she said.
“The syringe drivers are of great benefit to patients like Derrick, who is now able to be at home to spend quality time with myself, our three-year-old daughter Anna and friends and family, and without this he would need to be in the hospital.
“Due to the cost, these items are in short supply and we would like to help many other patients in the future with the opportunities Derrick has now.”
With the aim of raising £15,000 the group has it all to do.PledgeBut Lesley is confident they will reach this figure with only two out of 12 SPL clubs Hamilton and Kilmarnock so far failing to pledge their support to a sports auction being held later this year.
All other SPL clubs have donated prizes such as stadium tours and signed memorabilia.
Elsewhere, the fund-raising effort is in full swing with around £650 contributed through a specially created website.
A large chunk of this has come from Derrick’s former colleagues at Angus College in Arbroath where he lectured on IT.
“We would just like to say how grateful we are to all the staff at Angus College who have given their support,” said Lesley.
In a bid to meet their ambitious target, Lesley added, they plan to hold a car boot sale in Tayport on July 18 and later in the year will host a charity Zumba night.
The charity cycle is on September 1-3 at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park.
A website has been set up for donations at www.sponsor-me.org/aroundtheground.
Any businesses interested in organising sponsorship opportunities can contact Lesley directly at lesley.duncan@live.co.uk.