TWO Wee County women who have had their lives devastated by the effects of cancer are planning a major fundraiser in Sauchie next month.

Carol McLean and Lynn Clark are no strangers to the dreaded impact of the condition – but each tragic loss serves to inspire their efforts to fund research into a cure.

To that end, the duo are organising a Ride for Research event at Gartmorn Dam, close to the Bankhead Livery Yard where they keep their horses.

On Sunday, September 24, they and their trusty steeds Huni and Flash will circle the site, decked out in pink.

Their bid is one of many taking place across the country as the national campaign aims to raise £100,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Wearing pink is a nod to Carol’s own experiences, as she has become an advocate tackling breast cancer, specifically.

She also hopes to see a good few members of the public come out to support the event or take part themselves.

Carol, from Clackmannan, told the Advertiser: “It is up to the people riding how far they want to ride, where they want to ride to. It is just about getting as many people as possible in, but we want them to wear pink.

“Cancer is very close to my heart because I lost my mum to breast cancer, so I have always worn pink on my horse, Huni. The new coffee shop at Gartmorn Dam is going to provide us the cup cakes and coffee.”

Lynn, originally from Dunfermline, has also been affected by cancer as her husband’s parents died from the condition, as well as both her grandparents and her best friend when she was 17.

She said: “We always donate towards cancer, whether it be donating clothes to a cancer shop or raising funds.

“My husband is even going to get involved and wear a pink tutu during the ride.”

Lynn, who suffers from scoliosis, has only recently started riding and goes out light hacks with Flash.

She added: “I think there’s an intuition there with Flash because he knows my balance isn’t evenly dispersed.

“He’s a lot more gentle and calm with me. I think he senses it.”

Flash has his own reasons for doing the Ride for Research, as he previously had cancer of his own.

Two days after buying the grey pony, Lynn found a lump which turned out to be melanoma, which was surgically removed to give Flash a clean bill of health.

Around 20 people are expected to take part in the ride which will begin at the Dam Good Coffee shop before riding all the way round the dam 

The ride is open to anyone who wishes to join in regardless of having an equestrian background. People can take their dogs, kids or just show up themselves – as long as they wear pink.