700 people spent their May bank holiday weekend biking and hiking through some of Scotland’s most scenic countryside to raise funds for Maggie’s.  Funds are still being counted, but Maggie’s hope that Monster 2009 will have raised around £600,000 – that’s enough money to fund two Maggie’s Centres for a whole year.
 
The weather defied a terrible forecast, with the sun shining down on participants of Maggie’s Centre’s sixth Monster Bike and Hike.  Participants travelled from as far as Poland and South America to take part in the 30 mile cycle, followed by a hike of their choice – 8 miles (bronze), 22 miles (silver) or 43 miles (gold). 
 
383 people went all the way to the gold finish, with the fastest participant finishing the event in a record nine and a half hours. Craig Cunningham, from Portobello, cycled the 30 miles section and then ran the 43 mile hilly section of the event, receiving a great welcome as he crossed the finish line in Inverness.
 
The ultimate 24-hour team building challenge, starts under the shadow of Ben Nevis, taking in views of Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and several Munros, as participants travel along the Great Glen Way to Inverness.
 
In the past five years, over 3,000 people have taken part in Monster, raising £3million for Maggie’s, who provide free-of-charge emotional and practical support to people facing cancer, their friends and families.  There are currently five Centres in Scotland and one interim facility, each providing people with the tools to build a life beyond cancer.
 
Monster is the ultimate team building challenge for groups of friends and colleagues. Many corporate teams entered this year, with large team entrants including teams from:  Scottish Prison Service (over 100 entrants); Scottish and Southern Energy (92); Kwik Fit; Dundas and Wilson, and many more.
 
George Bushell, Maggie’s Events Manager, 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. We pulled out all the stops to make sure that Monster 2009 was a bank holiday weekend to remember for all participants and volunteers.  It was inspiring to see the teams coming over their chosen finish line and the satisfaction and joy in their faces.  It really is a highlight of the year for Maggie’s and for the participants, as they take part in a truly worthwhile personal challenge in one of the UK’s most stunning locations.  Well done to all who have taken part.”
 
One of the many participants taking part, who has a personal connection to Maggie’s, is Karen Burns, who is part of the Kwik Fit team.  Karen said: "I'm proud to say that I have taken part in Monster Bike and Hike for Maggie's on two occasions and after a break last year I signed up to take part again in 2009.  This year was an emotional Monster for me as my brother has been diagnosed with cancer. My brother's diagnosis has really highlighted what a huge impact a diagnosis of cancer has on a person and their whole family. People with cancer and their family and friends are going through a life changing experience and they need somewhere to turn to get support, to ask questions and to get answers.  And Maggie’s provides that vital place for them.”