Fundraising cycle in memory of Fife family members

Ride will cover 555 miles and raise funds to help tackle cancer

A Fife family was devastated last year as a bride, already mourning her mum, lost her husband 11 days after they wed.

The mother, Anne Falconer was only 59 when she died.

Then, just months later, Anne’s daughter Lynne and her partner James Wilson tied the knot at their home after his cancer was diagnosed as terminal. James passed away days later. Now Anne’s son David Falconer, 32, is embarking on a 555-mile cycle, filled with memories, for a cancer charity.

David, whose family is from Kirkcaldy, starts his fundraiser for Bowel Cancer UK tomorrow from St Mary’s Loch.

That was where mum Anne came to support him and his wife Laura as they competed in a triathlon.

He will stop at other places which hold significance.

Sites of family caravan holidays such as Blair Drummond, Morvich near Skye and West Sands at St Andrews will be visited.

The last leg will take him through Fife and David will cross the finish line on Monday at Balbirnie Golf Club where his mum and dad Roger regularly played.

David said: “My mum died from bowel cancer in February 2016. She was 59 years old.

“A few months later, in September, my brother-in-law died from stomach cancer, two weeks after marrying my sister. “He was only 33. “My sister lost her mum and husband in the same year.

“I’m inspired not only by the memory of my mum and brother-in-law, but also the strength of my dad and sister to undertake a challenge and raise money for a worthy charity.”

While on the ride Roger will be nearby with supplies and spares, while Lynne will be joining them for the final days.

A number of organisations have offered support, including both his and Lynne’s employers.

Thanks to the generosity of family and friends he has already hit his initial fundraising target of £2,500.

Scotland fundraising manager for Bowel Cancer UK, Emma Macleod, said: “Without people like David doing amazing fundraising events like this, Bowel Cancer UK couldn’t continue to do vital lifesaving work and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer.”

To sponsor David visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/David-Falconer3.

Lynne, and James Wilson. Lynne’s brother David is undertaking a fund-raising 555-mile cycle.

David Falconer is raising funds in memory of his mum and brother-in-law.