Brothers taking on 96 mile cycle challenge after being affected by meningitis

Brothers taking on 96 mile cycle challenge after being affected by meningitis

Peter Macdonald from Fairmilehead in Edinburgh, along with his brother and six friends, is cycling the challenging ‘West Highland Way’ through Scotland in April to raise funds for the charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

Peter explains, “In early 2016, my twin brother Garry was struck by meningitis. It was a scary time for us all and a real eye opener. Most people are aware of the life threatening form of meningitis and will know that it can do some pretty horrible things to children. Less will realise that it regularly has pretty severe consequences for older children, teenagers and adults too. Garry’s illness gave us the motivation to get out there and do something good after such a bad thing happened.

"Thankfully, he’s now very well after recovering from the viral strain of meningitis and is joining us on the 96 mile ride to raise funds for MRF. Eight of us will jump on our bikes and try to tackle the West Highland Way which is probably Scotland's best known hiking trail. Hiking - because some sections will simply not be possible to ride on two wheels. So they say. Any donations people can make are very much appreciated.”

Brothers Garry and Peter, along with their friends Paul, Andy, Barrie, Graham, Dave and Jack will begin their challenge in Milngavie on the 7th April. From there they will cycle through remote glens and over the hills, finishing at Fort William at the base of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. They aim to cycle it in three stages, over three days. It’s a route that on average takes eight days to hike.

“The funds raised will be used to support MRF’s lifesaving research into the prevention, detection and early treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. ” - Mary Millar, MRf Scotland Manager

Mary Millar, Scotland Manager at MRF said, “We’re so pleased that Garry has made a good recovery from meningitis and we’re grateful to Peter, Garry and their friends for taking on this huge challenge. The funds raised will be used to support MRF’s lifesaving research into the prevention, detection and early treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. It will also help us to continue raising awareness of the disease and to support anyone affected by it.” 

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BikeWestHighlandWay.

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