TULLIBODY man Jack Mrozs has raised more than £1,300 for Strathcarron Hospice, the charity that cared for his terminally-ill father-in-law.

Cycling between Glasgow and Edinburgh as part of the Pedal for Scotland event earlier this month, Jack and his family all worked together to bring in sponsorship money.

The event was organised with a view to helping underprivileged children in the country, and any other charities participants chose to support.

Jack, 44, picked Strathcarron as the hospice had been there for him and his loved ones in their time of need.

And having done the event last year, he felt this time around he would ask friends, family and workmates to help give something back.

In the end, the family were able to raise £1,327 – well beyond their initial £1,000 target. 

Jack said: “It’s such a worthwhile cause and one which is close to the family. You hope you never need a service like Strathcarron Hospice but the job they do is so important.

"We’ve seen the impact cancer has on someone and their family and how much they need something like Strathcarron to be there for them.

“It’s a great environment and atmosphere they have there and they treat everyone so well. Alan received the best of the care while he was there, it was spot on. We just wanted to give a little something back – every little helps.”

Of the fundraiser itself, he said: “We started at Glasgow Green, went to the Borders and finished up at Ingliston. It was 112 miles, and took me nine hours and 20 minutes.

“It was tough at stages but is nothing compared to what people with serious illnesses go through.”

His father-in-law Alan Reid, known around the Wee County as karaoke DJ Johnny Midnight, lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. He had been a resident at Strathcarron in his last few months and his family were determined to show their appreciation.

Jack’s fundraising cycle is not the first time the hospice has benefited from the family’s efforts, as they held a collection at Alan’s funeral in April this year.

Jack added: “Everyone in the family really helped out. Alan’s two sons Darin and Alan and his daughter Jenifer took [sponsorship] sheets into their work and things. His stepdaughter Lorraine, my wife, she raised money through at the Ludgate in Alloa.

“His wife Louise put the sponsorship sheets round his locals – the Star Inn, the Primrose Bar and the Station – and we collected the money in from his ex-workmates at BP in Grangemouth.

“In the end we raised £1327, which was great because were only looking to get about £1000.”

Alan was a well-known name in Alloa, but under his karaoke pseudonym Johnny Midnight, featuring in the Back of Dykes and the Star Inn.

When Alan was a resident with Strathcarron – and on the day he found out his condition was terminal – he asked the nurses to bring in his karaoke machine to the care home so he could put on a show for his fellow guests.

His funeral was held in April this year, with hundreds of people coming out to pay their final respects to him.