A Kippford man has launched his latest charity drive for cancer – a classic motorbike ride from Dumfries to Kippford.
Donald Reid survived a near- death experience with the disease in 2020 and since then has raised money for around 10 different cancer charities.
Now he’s organising and fundraising for a Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to the ‘Galloway Riviera’ on Sunday, May 21.
The event, which unfortunately coincides with the Drumlanrig Offroad Motorsport festival, will see “dapper” riders make the 25-mile journey on assorted vintage-styled machines.
Donald told the News: “I have a 1982 950cc Moto Guzzi Spada which has been remodelled into a three-wheeler by Triking in England.
“My target was £1,000 and I’m already at £950 with four weeks to go.
“People have been so generous with prizes for the raffle.
“The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is taking place simultaneously in 800 countries across the world.
“There are five in Scotland – at Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh and ours – Dumfries to Kippford,
“The event is an opportunity to raise a bit more awareness about prostate and testicular cancer.
“It’s a nice chance to get dressed up in tweeds and polish your boots and have people talking about it.”
Donald, who in summer 2020 was told he had only weeks to live but made a miracle recovery thanks to cutting-edge treatment, aims to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of Movember.
He said: “The ride is
definitely something a wee bit different.
“It’s designed for dapper gents and ladies on classic style motorcycles – but really anybody can come along on a motorbike.
“Folk can get together and have a cup of tea at the start, then a nice ride and lunch afterwards.”
Donald added: “Men die on average six years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons.
“The number of men who are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that.
“So I’m asking people to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what they can to help the men we love live happier and healthier lives.”
Back in 2020, Belfast-born Donald, a former Royal Navy diving officer, told the News: “I want to keep alive as long as I can.
“I might not make it but the chemo might check it and give me time.
“I am really determined to get a cure.
“I am not going to lie down on a sofa and moan.”
Anyone wishing to join the ride can apply at gentlemansride.com/rides/scotland/dumfries
Donations can be made at gentlemansride.com/rider/DonaldReid499733
