A Perthshire woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago is appealing for people to support a fundraising cycling event.
Mairi Wilkie, from Crianlarich, is calling on the public to help raise funds for breast surgeon Professor Mike Dixon.
The Breakthrough scientist is to cycle the 47 miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh as part of Pedal for Scotland on Sunday September 8, in order to raise money for Breakthrough’s work in Scotland.
For the past three years Professor Dixon has rallied support from his patients, friends and family, taking part in a different physical challenge with his team, Mike’s Marvels, and the team has raised more than £56,000 over the past three years.
Mairi and her friend, Diane Mailer, are hoping as many people as possible will take to their bikes and ride with Mike this year.
“My friends and I are doing this charity cycle event because it gives us a chance to combine doing something we enjoy and, at the same time, giving a little back to the charities and all the people that are trying to combat breast cancer,” she told The Courier.
“It is our way of saying a huge thank you for all Professor Dixon and Breakthrough Breast Cancer does.”
As well as being one of the leading breast surgeons in Scotland, Professor Dixon is also the clinical lead for Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s research in Edinburgh.
Professor Dixon said: “Every year around 4,500 women in Scotland are diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Importantly, physical exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer. This is a really important lifestyle factor to be aware of. Pedal for Scotland is a fun day out and is a family-orientated bike race.
“Of course, cycling is not for everyone. The best part about my challenge is that people can help me to raise funds by a variety of different activities, including walking, running or jogging.
“My hope is that this challenge will act as a catalyst to get people across the country doing a little more exercise this summer and, at the same time, help to raise vital funds for breast cancer research.”
For further information telephone 0131 226 0761 or email mikesmarvels@breakthrough.org.uk.