Angus man inspired by son’s cancer battle to get back in saddle for Etape Loch Ness.

ENDURANCE: Dad Ewen to brave the pain with 66-mile fundraising ride for sake of Liam, 17

A Tayside man who almost lost his leg in a cycle accident has told how his son’s cancer battle has inspired him to get back on his bike.

Ewen Chalmers, from Arbroath, lost part of his kneecap and almost had his leg amputated after it became infected following a crash while he was cycling to work.

The fish worker was signed off for a year and was just getting his life back on track again when his 17-year-old son Liam was diagnosed with cancer in July.

Mr Chalmers said Liam wasn’t eating and became really thin before he was taken to the doctor where he was given the shock diagnosis.

Four months of chemotherapy followed after Liam’s testicular cancer spread to the base of his neck.

Mr Chalmers will now join his friend, Colin Grant, to take part in the monster Etape Loch Ness 66-mile cycle tomorrow, when they will be raising funds for Macmillan and CLIC Sargent.

He said: “I still feel some pain in my leg, but I want to do this for Liam who continues to inspire me.

“He was diagnosed in July with cancer, which he is currently fighting, and this is my way of giving a little bit back to CLIC Sargent, who are supporting my family.”

Mr Chalmers broke his leg in two places when he fell off his bike just 50 yards from his work in January 2014.

He underwent surgery and metal wires and pins were used to securely fix the bones in place.

Mr Chalmers suffered an infection 10 days later and returned to hospital.

He lost part of his kneecap, as the bacteria started to eat away at his leg.

At one point, he was told his leg may have to be amputated but his body slowly started to fight the infection.

He finally left hospital after seven weeks and was off work for a year as a result.

Mr Chalmers said he was enjoying being back in the saddle, despite a degree of pain when he rides, and he is determined to battle on whatever happens tomorrow in order to raise as much money as he can.

The Arbroath duo previously took part in the Tour de Tay cycle challenge before deciding to join forces again.

People can donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ewen-chalmers1.

“This is my way of giving a little bit back to CLIC Sargent, who are supporting my family

Ewen Chalmers, right, who nearly lost his leg following a cycling accident, and friend Colin Grant are taking part in tomorrow’s Etape Loch Ness to raise charity cash. Picture: Wallace Ferrier.