Big Bill’s one week Land’s End charity cycle
A former Drumlemble primary pupil who first slung his leg over a cross bar this year begins an epic cycle trek on Sunday. Building contractor William Neilson, 29, from Dunbeg, will ride the 737 miles from Lands End back to Oban for three Scottish charities: the Craighalbert Centre, the Beatson and Alzheimer Scotland. The two-wheeled challenge has already collected more than £4,000 of a £5,000 goal on his gofundmepage at: www.gofundme.com/bigbillsbigcycle William plans to crack his challenge in just seven days after buying his first road bike earlier this year for the Oban Sportive. William said: ‘This year instead of taking my annual leave to spend on a beach with family and friends, I will instead be taking it to start peddling my bike on my marathon journey.’ William came to Machrihanish, aged two, with his crofting dad, Billy Neilson, who is currently the crofting commissioner. William started school at Drumlemble and stayed there until P6. The three charities are close to William’s heart and were chosen in honour of various people in his life. On his gofundme page William said: ‘In 2017 my gran passed away after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. She lived in a nursing home for her own safety and well being. ‘Going to visit her really opened my eyes to how this illness of the brain can rob a person of their independence and their memories. After it affected our family I decided to raise money to donate towards Alzheimer Scotland funds. ‘Today it is estimated that 90,000 people are living with dementia in Scotland. ‘Alzheimer Scotland funds dementia nurses, dementia advisors, a 24-hour dementia helpline and the dementia research centre.’ William’s sister-in-law Laura has cerebral palsy which influenced his second choice of charity. William said: ‘When Laura was growing up she went to a specialist school called the Craighalbert Centre. ‘It provides educational and therapy services for children and young people throughout Scotland affected by cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions, which result in disorders of learning, movement and communication. ‘Laura really enjoyed her trips to this school which helped her education and also aided her development both mentally and physically.’ Also last year William’s granny Jean, on his mother’s side, was diagnosed with cancer. She was admitted to the Beatson hospital in Glasgow. William said: ‘Thankfully, after her course of treatments there she was given the all clear early this year. ‘I have been overwhelmed by the Argyll community support and sponsorship received.’