Fort fundraiser Vince is ‘just getting on with it’ in memory of brave Clare
Fort William resident Vince Mackintosh is honouring his late wife, Clare, by hosting a 10-mile mountain bike cross country race for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The inaugural Clare Mackintosh Memorial Race took place last December, with this year’s cycle set to take place on Sunday December 29 as part of the West Highland Wheelers’ winter league.
Fundraising from the race will benefit Macmillan Cancer Support services in the Highlands after Clare, 46, passed away on December 16 after a short cancer diagnosis and received support from Macmillan.
Vince, 46, from Inchree, said: ‘Clare was nursed at home for the last three weeks of her life before passing away. Macmillan Nurses were key to the care Clare received in her courageous battle against cancer.’
The cycle will start at Inchree forestry car park and will cover a 10-mile course around Glen Righ.
Vince is hoping Clare’s mantra of ‘just got to get on with it’ will spur supporters to take part and celebrate her memory with his family, friends and community.
Vince has been fundraising throughout the year for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Lochaber District Nurses palliative care. Vince’s charity cycling challenges this year have included the Great Glen Way off-road Fort William to Inverness and back to Fort William in 22 hours; a gruelling four days of cycling 292 miles immediately followed by riding the Pre-65 trial in Kinlochleven and then the Scottish Six Days Trial; Channel to the Med 1,000km road cycle through France in September; and, on Friday December 13, he shaved his head and held a charity auction and raffle at the Dragon’s Tooth clubhouse, raising more than £2,000 on the night.
To date, Vince has raised an incredible £11,436.17 and would like to thank everyone who has supported him over the year.
Local fundraising manager Louise Mackay commented: ‘At Macmillan, we are so thankful to have supporters like Vince who fundraise for us.
‘Vince has been fundraising throughout the year and has been pushing himself out of his comfort zone and is committed to supporting people living with cancer to find their best way through. Our ambition is to be there for everyone with cancer, right from the moment of diagnosis – providing physical, financial and emotional support to help them find their best way through.
‘Some 98 per cent of our funding is from public donations and it really is down to people like Vincent that we are able to provide our vital services – thank you.’
To support Vincent’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/rideforclare-sri-lanka