KIRRIE CYCLIST'S EPIC JOURNEY FOR CANCER CHARITIES
KIRRIEMUIR vet Stephan Hunt has achieved his personal challenge of cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise funds for cancer charities - and has "climbed" the equivalent of almost twice the height of Mount Everest in the process.
Stephan (36) completed his epic journey in 14 days, pedalling for 988 miles and climbing even more hills than originally planned - around 56,000 feet of ascent.
He said: "That's almost twice the height of Mount Everest, instead of the original estimate of one-and-a-half times!
"That just goes to show you shouldn't always believe everything you read on a map!"
Stephan chose to get in the saddle to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Dorothy House Hospice as, like many, his family has been affected by cancer.
After training since the beginning of the year, Stephan headed north to begin his journey which was to prove memorable in a number of ways.
He continued: "Even though the journey was at times gruelling - some of the climbs in the Highlands were pretty leg-sapping and occasionally quite alarming, such as when I got run off the road by a timber lorry - overall it was a fascinating experience.
"It was one that I wouldn't hesitate to repeat - but perhaps in the opposite direction, so I can see the scenery that was behind me on the way down!
"One of the best memories of my journey is of the many generous people I met along the way who helped and encouraged me in my challenge, and the other brave souls who were also undertaking the journey for charity - such as the 70 year old New Zealander who was walking from Land's End to John O'Groats.
"I was able to update my friends, family and supporters along the way through my website at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/stephanhunt, by posting tweets, pictures and the occasional blog piece.
"I am delighted to say that I am well on my way to raising 2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Dorothy House Hospice, boosted by a number of generous donations received along the way.
"As donations can still be made for the next month, I am hopeful that I will ultimately reach my fundraising target."
Stephan, who lives in Kirriemuir with his wife Sheena, is a vet with the PDSA in Dundee.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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