Starting in Fort William participants firstly biked 30 miles across the scenic route before setting off on a hike of their choice – 8 miles to Invermoriston (bronze), 22 miles to Drumnadrochit (silver) or 43 miles (gold) miles to Inverness – all within 24 hours. All the funds raised from the event will go to Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres to help support and grow the charity’s network of Centres across the UK.

Speaking from the event, Maggie’s Centres’ Head of Events, Shivonne Graham, said: “The event got off to a great start and we look to be on course to smash last year’s fundraising total of £600,000. The funds raised from our biggest annual event of the year are essential in helping us to maintain and expand our much needed programme of support to the thousands of people across the country who are affected by cancer.

“I’d like to thank everyone for taking part in Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike 2008 and for their help and determination in making the event a highlight in the Scottish charity events calendar.” 

2,500 people have taken part in Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike to date, raising over £2.3million for Maggie’s network of Centres, which offer emotional support and practical advice to people with cancer, their friends and families.

The ultimate 24-hour team building challenge takes in some of Scotland’s most awe inspiring scenery, starting under the shadow of Ben Nevis in Fort William and taking in views of Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and several Munros, as participants travel along the Great Glen Way to Inverness.


Ends

For more media information, including case studies, interviews and photography, please contact Anna Marriott at Anna.Marriott@maggiescentres.org or on 0782 536 2097.


Editor’s notes:
•    Over 1 in 3 people will develop cancer in their lifetime and medical advances mean that more people are living longer with a cancer diagnosis.  Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres aim to equip people with the tools to build a life beyond cancer.
•    Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres have six existing centres – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Highlands, Fife and London offering emotional and psychology support and practical information to people facing a cancer diagnosis, their friends and family.
•    In addition, an interim facility is open in Lanarkshire, Oxford and Swansea, with a further six permanent Centres planned throughout the UK in the next four years, including Oxford, Nottingham, The Cotswolds, Swansea, Newcastle and Lanarkshire. 
•    Maggie’s Centres work closely with the cancer units at the NHS hospitals where they have Centres to ensure that the information and support it provides complements the treatment given in the hospital.