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.