The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fundraisers on their bikes for hospice sportive challenge
Cyclists will tackle 33-mile route for charity
Dunfermline Cycling Club has revealed its annual sportive will be held in memory of a club member who recently lost his battle with cancer.
Gary Conner, 51, from Saline, who worked at Havelock Europa in Kirkcaldy, died in December 2018 having spent time at Queen Margaret Hospice battling a brain tumour.
A group of Gary’s friends and family are now preparing to cycle the 33-mile Tour of the Kingdom Sportive in just over three weeks’ time in support of the Queen Margaret Hospice in Dunfermline.
On May 25, Gary’s wife, Kirsteen Conner, 48, will tackle the ride from Pittencrieff Park to Kirkcaldy and back, alongside family and friends, in his memory.
“The support the hospice staff gave to our family and Gary was immeasurable and we would like to raise funds in Gary’s memory to allow other families to have the same support,” she said.
One of Kirsteen’s closest friends, Rachel Rodgers, 40, has been helping to arrange the challenge.
Rachel explained: “It was Gary’s wish to organise a cycle to raise funds for the hospice and often talked to me about arranging it when he got home.
“I promised Gary I would make it happen. I contacted the club to help with the organisation but, when they suggested we joined their sportive, Gary’s wish fell into place.”
Scott Hutchinson, chairman of Dunfermline Cycling Club, added: “When the club was approached by Rachel we didn’t need to think twice about dedicating the sportive in Gary’s memory.
“Most people know of someone who have been affected by cancer so when we lost a fellow club member we wanted to help and are delighted to welcome Gary’s friends and family to ride with us.”
Ed Cairns, a staff nurse at the hospice, said everyone was delighted that it will benefit from the funds raised.
“Gary was a great patient and many of us had a soft spot for him,” he said.
“We had lots of laughs and he’ll be proud of everyone for carrying out his wish especially with his cycling club.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor the fundraisers can visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/cycleforgary or join the cyclists at dunfermlinecc/sportive.
When the club was approached by Rachel we didn’t need to think twice about dedicating the sportive in Gary’s memory. CLUB CHAIRMAN SCOTT HUTCHINSON