Pedal power from two Perthshire pensioners has helped raise thousands of pounds to help a prostate cancer charity.
Sixty-eight-year-old Jim Thomas and long-time pal Davie Ramsay (69) were taking part in the Grand Lodge of Scotland “Make it a Million” appeal in aid of Prostate Scotland.
And this week they handed over a cheque for £3300 to Bro. James C. Peddie, Depute Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The pair took part in a marathon 225-mile bike ride, spread over four days, in April and May.
It involved them cycling to the 17 lodges in the Province of Perthshire East, along with one in the Province of Fife and Kinross.
Along the way, they were presented with cheques and donations from local lodges, as well as messages of support.
At the same time, the intrepid duo, who have been likened to Jack and Victor in the hit TV series “Still Game” because of their friendly banter, set up a JustGiving page.
That raised hundreds of pounds to help fund further research into Scotland’s most common cancer.
Augmented by contributions from local lodges, it swelled the cheque total to £3300.
Shortly after embarking on the marathon cycle which began on April 13, Jim himself was diagnosed with prostate cancer and recently started his treatment.
“My own situation gave me the incentive to go the extra mile and raise as much as we could to boost the charity’s coffers,” Jim, of Catmoor Road, Scone, explained yesterday.
“As well as raising cash, we are hopeful our sponsored cycle will raise awareness of prostate cancer. It’s the most common among men in Scotland, with one in 10 at risk.
“More are surviving the disease, however, and there is an increase in the numbers seeking early diagnosis.
“But we want to see these figures rise more quickly.”
Davie, of Langside Road, Perth, has had his own health issues in the past, including a heart by-pass operation.
“We have been humbled by the generous response to our sponsored cycle, especially at a time when every penny counts for so many people,” he said yesterday.
“We would like to thank each and every one of them for digging deep and supporting such a worthwhile cause.”
The cheque total will help boost the £1 million Grand Lodge of Scotland national appeal for Prostate Scotland which currently stands at £892,000.
Jim is a Past Master of Lodge Scoon and Perth No. 3 and Davie is a Master Mason of Lodge Stormont No. 1524.
