Duo in epic journey for cancer unit

TWO friends were today set to begin an epic journey to cycle, run and sail 355 miles across the Highland and Islands to raise £120,000 for a planned teenage cancer unit at the city’s Western General Hospital.

Jock Brooke, 20, from Sutherland, and Iona Walker, 19, from Pitlochry, are hoping to complete the journey in one week in memory of their close friend, Fiona Walker, who died of cancer last year.

The challenge raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust includes cycling 150 miles from Jock’s home town of Ardgay in the north of Scotland to Oban on the west coast.

Iona said: “Fi was such an inspiration for us and stayed so positive even in the face of constant bad news. We really want to do her proud and make a difference to others going through the same thing.”

Jock said: “This challenge is going to push us to the edge of what we are capable of. It’s going to be a really tough week and we’d love people to come out and support us.”

The Teenage Cancer Trust funds and builds specialist units within NHS hospitals where young cancer sufferers are treated together.