A north-east man who was diagnosed with epilepsy just two years ago is planning to cycle from Land’s End to John O Groats.
Inverurie cyclist Fraser Beattie, 36, is undertaking the 1,081 mile challenge unassisted next summer in order to raise funds for Epilepsy Scotland.
After his diagnosis in March 2014 following a grand mal seizure outside my home near Kellands Park, Inverurie he felt he wanted to do something to help other people suffering from the illness.
An avid cyclist he has decided to take on the mammoth cycle in July next year, on a planned route which is 1,081 miles, and will take him across the length of Britain in just 12 days. Fraser will on average cycling 90 miles per day and will take in the west coast scenery of the UK.
Not having tried any long-distance routes before, Fraser said: “Training is really important just now. I have set up social media page to track my training and to help raise funds and awareness for Epilepsy Scotland. I cycle for Inverurie cycling club, Team Ecosse Northboats and I want this ride to help boost the profile of the club and cycling locally.”
The seizure Fraser suffered at age 34 was only his third ever and he has not experienced one since 2014 -so is now confident that the medication he is now on will prevent anything happening on his trip.
He said: “I’m not going to have a back-up vehicle or anything. I have booked my accommodation in advance however so am really looking forward to it now, it will be a great adventure.”
Fraser added: “I am turbo training, wearing an Elevation training mask to improve my cardio and also I have changed my diet quite considerably and have lost over half a stone in the last month.”
Speaking about the cycle itself, Fraser said: “I am excited about the challenge, I know it will be tough and there will be times when I want to give up.
“When the rain and wind are battering me, when I’m 70 miles into a 110 mile day and 7 days in and have not spoken to anyone for hours and hours, that’s when it will be tough.
“I know it will be a life changing event and when I cycle in to John O’Groats I’ll fill up with pride and happiness and an overwhelming sense of achievement.”
Hoping to raise £1,000, Fraser has set up a just giving page and will push his charity fundraising total to £4,000 since he took up cycling for charity.
Fraser added: “Support from the local community would obviously be a pretty big thing for me and the charity over the next few months and the event itself too. I really want to raise awareness for Epilepsy Scotland and all the good work they do for the thousands of people living with the condition in the UK. They have really helped me cope with it.”
You can help Fraser reach his goal and also watch his training progress on www.justgiving.com/fundrasing/end2end4epilepsy