DEREK’S 300-MILE DAY TRIP

Superfit Derek Pettigrew, 43, road from John O’Groats to Glasgow – a distance of 288 miles – alongside two fellow posties from his depot in Glasgow, and a support team who kept the cyclists supplied with food and water.

Said Derek, who lives in High Barrwood Road: “It was a very long day, of almost non-stop riding through the night, often in heavy rain and into a headwind. But we completed the route in just under 24 hours and over the course of the weekend I was able to recover to the point that I feel fine again already. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us by making a donation, either in person or through our Justgiving page.”

The team has raised around £1800 to support the work of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Karen Milne, Community Fundraiser at Marie Curie Cancer Care, said “our heartfelt thanks and congratulations go the cyclists for their superb efforts; we’re delighted with the funds raised and full of admiration of the guys who completed such a gruelling challenge. It costs Marie Curie about £20 to provide one hour of nursing care in someone’s home, so the funds raised will make a big difference to local patients and their families.” And Derek and his friends aren’t done yet. “We’re already thinking about doing another challenge,” he said. “Maybe something longer, like Land’s End to John O’Groats next time.”