A Thornhill OAP who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years ago is taking on a more than 1000-mile cycling challenge to raise money for charity.
Iain McNicol is currently cycling the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats from the comfort of his own home to raise cash for Parkinson’s UK.
Brave Iain is no stranger to charitable efforts. He’s a regular at Stirling’s PEAK sports centre where he keeps his fitness levels up by taking part in weekly strength and balance classes and riding the spin bikes. In 2018, he took on the virtual Tour de France Time to Tour challenge on a spin bike at The Peak.
As part of his latest effort he has been chipping away at the distance daily.
Iain, who calls himself ‘The Shoogly Cyclist’, has set himself the target of raising £1000 and has so far raised £760 towards the target.
Iain, who used to work with the Forestry Commission in Aberfoyle, said: “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s seven years ago and I believe that the exercise biking I was doing every week at the PEAK sports centre in Stirling has helped maintain my mobility and stamina.
“Though I now have poor balance which stops me riding real bikes, I can still ride exercise bikes and therefore maintain my fitness levels.”
He added: “Due to the current lockdown I haven’t been able to get to my usual exercise classes, so I’m using this as an opportunity to set myself the challenge to cycle at home instead.
“So it’s on to the exercise bike and pedalling as hard as I can to complete my toughest challenge yet.”
To donate to Iain’s effort, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shooglycyclist.
