Caol’s Josh raises £482 in mum’s memory
Caol youngster Josh MacGillivray put his cycling skills to good use when he braved cold weather to cover 44 miles and raise more than £482 for Cancer Research.
Lochaber High School pupil Josh, 12, lost his mum Sarah O’Brien to cancer last August when she was aged just 31 and Josh got on his bike at the end of October in her memory.
Sarah and her family had been living in Dalmuir, although regular holidays and visits to Caol meant Josh knew the area well, before coming to live with his Gran, Sheena MacGillvray, three years ago.
With a positive attitude, Josh, who has a younger brother and sister, wanted to recognise his mum’s battle with the illness and raise money for Cancer Research.
So as a keen biker, who regularly cycles to Torcastle with his Grandpa Brian Dunlop, he took up the challenge of a sponsored cycle from Caol to Laggan Locks and back.
On a bright, cold Sunday at the end of October, Josh set off with his Grandpa, heading up the canal to Clunes, then off along forestry tracks to his destination, stopping for a picnic before heading back. Josh completed the course in nine hours and was heard to comment when the lights of Caol appeared before him as dusk fell ‘Ah, mission accomplished’.
Josh’s efforts paid off as he raised £482.46 from the sponsor sheets he had distributed and other donations.
Josh commented: ‘It was really cold, but not too bad and I’m glad I managed to complete it.
‘I would like to thank everyone who helped by supporting me’.
Josh is already planning more fundraising activities, including a parachute jump, and ultimately climbing Mount Everest, although as his Gran suggested, he should perhaps start with Ben Nevis!