58 Years Old

Jim, an architect and passionate cyclist, is channelling personal loss and hope into action through the Ride Against Cancer.

In January 2023, Jim's wife, Lori, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent treatment in April of that year, a time that coincided with a cycling journey through Spain that Jim had planned with friends Colin, John, Fraser and Ross and supported by their close friend Dave.

Despite facing a frightening diagnosis and treatment, it was Lori who encouraged Jim to go on the ride. She was determined to keep life as normal as possible and, in a remarkable show of strength and grace, chose not to share her diagnosis widely with friends and family to spare them worry.

Lori has since made a strong recovery. But the months that followed brought heartbreak to their circle. Colin's wife, Fee, and Dave's wife, Michelle, both sadly passed away from cancer. These losses, along with the many others Jim and Lori know who are still fighting cancer or living with the aftermath, have deeply moved Jim and strengthened his resolve to take on the Ride Against Cancer.

This ride is more than a physical challenge - it is a tribute. A journey in memory of loved ones lost, in solidarity with those still fighting and in support of those living with the fear of cancer's return.

Jim is no stranger to using cycling as a force for good. In July 2023, he rode from Glasgow to Berlin with his business partner, Murray Henderson, raising £15,000 for The Marie Trust. That ride reinforced his belief in the power of community, purpose and perseverance.

53 Years Old

David, who now regularly commutes by bike into the Savills office in Glasgow, got serious about road cycling after tackling the 225km route of the 'Mallorca 312' a few years ago.

Thirty years ago, David lost his mum to cancer. Since then, he has witnessed other family members get cancer. In 2018, his wife Claire was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 38. At the time, their sons were only two and four years old.

At the same time as Claire's diagnosis, one of David's colleagues was diagnosed with cancer. Tragically, his colleague didn't survive. David shared that this has haunted him ever since. "Two people so close to me. One made it, one didn't."

David's wife Claire is now doing well and has retrained as a Personal Trainer to support people diagnosed with cancer to maintain their fitness and also works with Young Lives vs Cancer.

David is taking on this challenge for everyone affected by cancer. When it gets tough, he'll be thinking of his family, his wife's strength, his boys' belief in him and the Cobban family motto: 'Cobbans never give up.'

57 Years Old

Colin Hughes is riding from Land's End to John o'Groats as part of Ride Against Cancer, in memory of his late wife Fiona ("Fee"), who passed away in November 2023 after a courageous five-year battle with breast cancer.

Colin, together with their children Blair (22) and Abigail (19), who has Down syndrome and Autism, are honouring Fee's memory by raising funds for Maggie's - who helped the family navigate the most difficult times with compassion and care.

Colin is a passionate cyclist who first discovered his love for two wheels as a teenager, touring the scenic routes of Scotland. After a long hiatus spent building a career and living abroad, he returned to Scotland and rekindled his enthusiasm for cycling.

Since then, Colin has embraced the challenge of sportives, completing iconic events such as the Mallorca 312, the UCI World Championships Sportive, and RideLondon, finishing each with respectable times. In 2023, he undertook a longer tour in Spain, which sparked a growing interest in multi-day endurance rides, now a core part of his cycling pursuits.

This challenge is not only a tribute to Fee's strength and spirit, but a heartfelt mission to ensure Maggie's can continue being there for others on their own cancer journeys.

57 Years Old

Originally from sunny Saltcoats but settled in Stirling, as the fifth child of a PE teacher mum, Ross admits 'he's a bit sport mad'. Over the years, Ross has been involved in football, tennis, rugby, kayaking, hill walking, skiing and running. These days, he says, 'with an arthritic hip, he's had to rein it back a bit' and cycling has become his main way of getting his 'sporty fix'. Ross admits he is both excited and slightly terrified of the Land's End to John o'Groats (LEJOG) challenge, but is passionate about supporting Maggie's and Young Lives vs Cancer.

Ross has experienced first-hand the devastating impact cancer can have. Several people close to him, including friends and their partners, have faced the disease and in 2023, his stepfather passed away following a long battle with throat and lung cancer.

During the ride, Ross knows his wife Jane and young adult kids, Ishbel and Dugald (and dog Jett) will all be with him in spirit and knows when 'it's inevitably very sore' he will get strength from knowing that the ride is raising funds for Maggie's and Young Lives vs Cancer.

58 Years Old

John Welsh, a military veteran, has been an enthusiastic sportsman his whole life. A commission in the Royal Navy 'wasn't active enough' so he spent most of his time working within the Royal Marines. Following his time with the military, he returned to Scotland to raise his family and work with his family's engineering company.

Seeking more activity and another challenge, John went on to open and operate 'Maximum Potential', a conditioning centre aimed at developing athletic potential. Working with more than 20 different sports, including Premier League football, national basketball teams, professional golf, elite international swimming, international karate, ice hockey and many more.

Five years ago, he decided to up sticks and move to Alicante, Spain, with his wife, Lesley and their four dogs. John now channels his energy into developing the speed, agility and strength of aspiring tennis stars and enjoys cycling in the mountains.

27 Years Old

Originally from the west coast of Scotland and now based in Glasgow, Jamie’s usually found on a rugby pitch playing for Ardrossan Accies - but this summer, he’s swapped boots for a bike to take on one of the toughest challenges in the UK. This ride is his chance to push himself and raise money for two amazing causes close to home.

He’s fuelled by flapjacks, stubbornness and the knowledge that every mile pedalled can help someone else fight a much bigger battle. His partner and dog will no doubt enjoy a well-earned break from his (dare we say, rubbish!) cycling chat while he’s away.

Jamie is taking on this challenge to support everyone affected by cancer — something that touches all of us at some point in life. Recently, his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thankfully, treatment went well, but the experience made clear just how far-reaching the impact of cancer can be — not just on the individual, but on their families, friends, and entire support networks. This ride is his way of giving back, raising awareness, and making sure vital support services can be there for others when they’re needed most.

53 Years Old

Fraser from Leven in Fife works as Head Groundsman at St. Andrews University. His first sporting love was competitive football, but a serious knee injury put an end to his playing days. During rehab, he discovered cycling and what started as physio soon turned into a passion.

Since then, Fraser has made lifelong friends, travelled to incredible places and taken on some huge cycling challenges. One of his proudest moments was completing a 200-mile ride in a single day to raise money for C.H.A.S. (Children's Hospices Across Scotland), although he says 'the 4am start was less enjoyable.'

Fraser's is taking part in the Ride Against Cancer in memory of his father, who passed away from cancer, and says, 'fundraising for such a worthwhile cause will be very satisfying.'

60 Years Old

Description Alun, who currently lives in Spain, is half English, half Welsh, though he says he 'defers to the land of his father and supports the Dragon over St George'.

On the ride, Alun says, "Well, as they say, a volunteer is someone who misunderstood the question. Nevertheless, I am wholeheartedly onboard and looking forward to this immense challenge to support the fight against cancer." He adds, "Although I fail to understand why we're going south to north, as that's plainly uphill. But as the team is Scottish, I suppose it makes sense as it's quicker to get home at the end…'

As a former Royal Marines Commando, Alun plans to draw on his experience of keeping fellow rider John Welsh out of trouble during their operational tours. A parachute accident brought Alun's 20-year military career to an end; these days, he faces the challenge of rheumatoid arthritis but refuses to let that slow him down.

For Alun, this ride means more than just clocking up the miles. It's an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against cancer, 'a disease that respects no boundaries.’ And when he finally reaches John o' Groats, fuelled by a thousand Mars bars, he'll be ticking off another bucket list moment.goes here