A first class South Cumbrian fundraiser has completed a tough cross-country cycling challenge for the charity which supported his mum before she died from cancer.
Royal Mail worker David Scrogham pedalled from Walney to Whitby, in Yorkshire – and back – to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The 40-year-old postman was joined by his friend, and seasoned cyclist, Ian Scott, who suggested they make their cycle that bit tougher by adding the return leg to the trip, which in the end totalled 300 miles!
The plucky pair completed their gruelling journey – called ‘Another Coast Call’ – in just two days, after spending around 30 hours in the saddle. And they have also smashed their initial £500 fundraising target, which now stands at £800 and counting.
They were inspired to organise the fundraiser after David’s mum, Lynda, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in June 2021. Lynda was supported by Macmillan before she died the following April, aged just 58.
David, who only took up cycling as a hobby in 2021, said: “When my mam was diagnosed with cancer, she was referred to the Macmillan Cancer Support team, and the support that she received was phenomenal. They were there for her all the way through her illness. Whether it was to answer medical questions, offer emotional support and even help out with her finances, they were always on hand to put her mind at ease.
“Mam said Macmillan were like a lifeline to her and without them she said she would have been desperate. They really helped my mam a lot and we’re really grateful for everything, and that’s why I want to give something back and support them as much as I can.”
Last year David rode a trilogy of cycling sportives, which he called One Climb Too Many, to help the charity support other families affected by cancer.
Over three consecutive weekends he completed The Classic Manc, The Fred Whitton and The Etape Du Dales, where he covered 323 miles and climbed 33,000 feet, to raise more than £2,000 for Macmillan.
David, who is already thinking about another charity challenge in 2024, added: “It was really difficult and a lot tougher than I imagined it’d be. Getting to Whitby was hard enough, but to get up the next day and do it all again in the other direction, with a headwind, was absolutely brutal. Several keen cyclists had told us beforehand that one way would be hard, but to come back would be incredible. But we did it.
“And when we got home, and reflected on what we’d actually achieved, we were over the moon. I’ve never felt as jubilant as I did, and I’m super proud of what we both achieved and I’m sure my mum would be proud too.”
To support David’s latest fundraiser, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/david-scrogham-1682337956142
