Football Stars Launch Maggies Monster Bike and Hike

Hearts football stars Ryan McGowan and David Templeton helped to launch the fundraising for the Maggies Cancer Centres “Monster Bike and Hike” last week in Holyrood Park.  The event is due to take place over the Bank Holiday weekend of 5th & 6th May and starts in Fort William with a 31 mile cycle to Invermoriston followed by varying lengths of walk depending on your fitness. It is very much a fun event for friends, families and colleagues, each aiming to raise £400 per person. Full support will be given by a small army of volunteers.

Hearts Event Manager, Georgina Bushell said,

It takes a great deal of determination to take part in Monster but by all accounts it is a hugely rewarding experience both physically and mentally.  It’s the kind of determination that Hearts Footballers bring to the pitch every week, and I am so pleased they are encouraging their fans to sign up for the event. We pull out all the stops to make sure that Monster is a bank holiday weekend to remember for all participants and volunteers.  It is inspiring to see the teams coming over their chosen finish line and the satisfaction and joy in their faces.  We would love to get over 1000 people signed up for Monster 2012 so I would encourage you to log on to our website to view last year’s event film, rope in some friends and colleagues and get signed up.”

 Ryan McGowan speaking at the launch said “I think it’s a great idea and it’s something that I look forward to support. If we can get some more people out there today then that would be great – it’s a great cause.”

2012 will be the ninth year of the Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike, with the event having raised over £4million for Maggie’s Centres to date.  Over 5000 people have taken part in the event in teams of friends, families and colleagues.  To find out more about Maggie’s and Monster 2012 call Maggie’s Supporter Care Team on 0300 123 1801, e-mail monster@maggiescentres.org or visit www.maggiescentres.org/monster.

Photography by: www.thomashaywood.com