Michelle gets on her bike in memory of mum

Michelle Hunter is gearing up to take on a mammoth challenge this weekend, in memory of her mum, Margaret Gordon.

The keen cyclist will hop on her bike for Pedal for Scotland on Sunday (6 September) and will cover 50 miles for Breast Cancer Care.

This will be the second time Michelle, manager at Dunbar The Jeweller in Alloa, has taken on the event.

She said: “I’m doing it in honour of my mum this year. She raised money for cancer research; she climbed Ben Nevis.

“She died of a massive stroke 10 years ago, so it’s in remembrance of her.” Michelle – who is also raising money as a nod to her friend Linda Mulraney, who passed away from breast cancer – first took up cycling a few years ago to improve her fitness.

She has been busy preparing for the event and trains several times a week.

The Alloa woman said: “I have been cycling for about four years so it’s not new to me; I love it though.

“Everytime I go out I usually do between 12 and 20 miles and I can do that maybe three times a week, sometimes four times a week.” Although looking forward to it, she admits to being a little apprehensive.

She added: “I think the last time I did it, it just came around so quickly. It’s quite nerve-racking this time because I know what’s involved – I know the hills that are involved.” Originally setting out with a fundraising target of £200, Michelle has been bowled over by the generosity of others.

She is sitting at a sum of £2266 and wanted to thank her customers, slimming group, colleagues Sarah Joanna Parsons and Shirley Higgins, her bosses, Reclaim Fitness instructor Barb Millar, son Aidan, husband Andy for his support (and buying her a new bike) and others who have donated.

Of the amount, she said: “I’m overwhelmed, I really am. The last time I was just shy of £3000.

“There’s a lot of people that must love my mum, like me, because she was a genuinely lovely person.” To donate online head to Michelle’s JustGiving page www.justgiving/com/Michelle-Hunter9/