Kirkwood Timber Frame MD to take on cycling charity challenge

Kirkwood Timber Frame’s Managing Director, Malcolm Thomson, is taking on the ‘Kick the Ball’ team charity cycling challenge, to raise funds for UCAN – a local urological cancer charity.

The 20-strong team will tackle a 150-mile route in the North East of Scotland, with world adventure cyclist Mark Beaumont, as part of the ‘Kick the Ball’ campaign. They will visit local football clubs which have organised their own community cycle challenges along the way.

Based in Ward 209 at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, UCAN was set up to raise awareness and support patients and families affected by urological cancers. It has teamed up with Friends of Anchor as part of a joint fundraising appeal to create the Swift Urological Response and Evaluation (SURE) clinic.

‘Transforming diagnosis’

It is hoped that the clinic will transform diagnosis for men and women, allowing for scans and diagnostic procedures during a single visit to hospital, improving cancer treatment outcomes and reducing anxiety as a result.

Malcolm said: “There are very few people who have not been affected by cancer – whether personally or through knowing a family member, colleague or friend who has had to battle the disease.

“There is still a stigma attached to urological cancers, with many scared to speak up about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Charitable events like this help to raise awareness and also the vital funds for charities like UCAN and the SURE clinic, which provide invaluable support to patients and their families in such difficult times.

“I do enjoy cycling but 150 miles in one day is no mean feat! I am looking forward to the challenge and being able to share the experience with others committed to this wonderful cause.”

To sponsor the team that Malcolm is riding for, a link can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/avril-mcleod-1

And to find out more about the challenge, click here: Kick the Ball Cycle Challenge