A Glenrothes man is preparing to fulfil a lifetime ambition by cycling the length of Britain. But what makes Steven McEwan’s efforts all the more remarkable is the fact that less than two years ago he was eight stones heavier than he is now.
The nine-day challenge will see Steven (30) and two friends Allan Purvis, from Newcastle, and Darren Gill, from Sheffield cycle an average of 112 miles a day, with the challenge expected to start on June 17.
In his youth Steven was a competitive swimmer, breaking records and representing Scotland at national and international events. However, after leaving Glenwood High School, Steven found it difficult to fit in the level of exercise he had been doing, and as his activity levels dropped his weight increased.
Then, in the summer of 2009, something changed.
“I’d always been a big guy my shoulders, arms and thighs were all built up from the swimming,” he said. “But I realised I wasn’t just ‘big’ any more my weight was starting to affect my health. I have a great wife and family and had plans for my future I couldn’t let my weight get in the way.”
By walking, jogging then eventually running every night after work and eating three balanced meals a day, the weight dropped off.
In September 2009 still weighing over 20 stones he competed in his first fun run and, less than a year later, he ran the Great North Run and then discovered triathlons, which he now takes part in regularly.
Steven is taking on the challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and hopes to collect a lot of money.
“I visited the hospice (Rachel House) myself to motivate me during my training, and the work they do is amazing.”Anyone who would like to help Steven and his friends raise fund for CHAS can donate online at www.justgiving.com/The-Bigshow-Rides-From-Lands-End-to-John-o-Groats.