A St Andrews man is preparing to embark on a challenge of a lifetime in memory of his father, who died this year, and his elder brother, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Keith Simpson (21) plans to cycle, kayak and run his way over 380 miles from Gretna to John O’ Groats in just six days.
He decided to set himself the gruelling feat after the family was hit by a double tragedy only weeks apart in the spring.
Suffering a debilitating stroke 10 years ago, Keith’s father Gordon died aged 76 after a long battle with illness. Shortly afterwards his older brother was diagnosed with cancer, for which he is receiving treatment.
On the back of this devastating time Keith decided to raise money for two worthwhile charities close to his heart. He aims to raise £2000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) by the time he crosses the finish line in John O’ Groats on September 5.
“This challenge is in memory of him (Gordon) and money raised will go a long way to helping others suffering the same way my dad did,” said Keith. “Training is going well. I have been at St Andrews University using the bike and rowing machines to build up my stamina.
Keith is also being forced to juggle an intensive workload for his fourth year studies in sports science at Heriot Watt. He will begin his adventure just days after completing his final year exams
On top of all this is a part-time summer job in St Andrews. “This will be the hardest physical and mental challenge I will ever do,” he continued. “In the past I walked the West Highland Way with friends and talked with them about canoeing part of the Caledonian Canal. Now I am actually doing it.”
Starting at Gretna on Tuesday, August 31, Keith will cycle 110 miles to Glasgow, run 95 miles through the West Highland Way and then kayak 60 miles through the Great Glen between Fort William and Inverness before tackling the final section to John O’Groats on his bike.
You can make a donation through his website.