Ford Kiernan and Sanjeev Kohli donned their cycling gear to kick start the campaign to get participants signed up for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre’s Monster Bike and Hike 2008. And meeting them pedal for pedal and step for step, were two Glasgow nurses, known as The Trendy Wendy’s, who took part in last year’s event and were quick to sign up for Monster 2008.

Monster 2008 is the ultimate 24 hour team building challenge, with participants completing a 30 mile cycle and then choosing to hike 8 (bronze), 22 (silver) or 43 miles (gold).  The event, which takes place on the bank holiday weekend of May 3 and May 4, takes in some of Scotland’s most awe inspiring scenery, starting under the shadow of Ben Nevis in Fort William and taking in Loch Ness as participants travel along the Great Glen Way to Inverness. 

The fifth outing for Monster is expected to draw 800 participants and to raise £800,000 for Maggie’s network of Centres, which offer emotional support and practical advice to people with cancer, their friends and families.

Ford Kiernan said: “The support that Maggie’s Centres offer to people affected by cancer is invaluable and it is all free-of-charge. I would therefore encourage anyone who can cycle (there’s still time to learn!) to sign up for what is Maggie’s biggest fundraising event of the year – Monster Bike and Hike. How better to spend your bank holiday weekend than with a group of friends or family, surrounded by some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, while doing your bit for a worthwhile cause? So what are you waiting for, sign up now and get on yer bike for Maggie’s.”

Sanjeev Kohli said: “Friends, families and colleagues who are game for a challenge and game for a laugh should sign up now for Maggie’s Monster 2008. This is an event that is not just a personal challenge, it is also a big adventure.  Participants will be part of one of the largest outdoor charity events in the country while raising vital funds to help Maggie’s to grow across the UK. And let’s not forget that it gives you a truly worthwhile reason to not break those keep fit promises for 2008.”

Over 100 participants have signed up for Monster 2008 already and two of the first on the list were The Trendy Wendy’s – intensive care Sisters at Ross Hall Hospital – Wendy Porteous and Wendy Burns. They took part in last year’s Monster, because they both felt they needed something to focus on after going through low periods in their lives and because they felt that Maggie’s was a charity close to their hearts.

Wendy Porteous, 47, of Newton Mearns, said: “Monster 2007 was a life changing experience. It puts everything in your life into perspective. Everyone had their own personal reasons for doing it and it was an emotional journey. Every time you experienced pain and fatigue you just thought of what some patients have to cope with and suddenly your aches and pains are not so bad. This gives you the strength to keep going.”

Wendy Burns, 42, of Cardonald, said: “Monster is an amazing event with everyone involved so supportive and enthusiastic. However it is not an event to be taken lightly. Wendy and I have been up many mountains and this was the hardest to climb. It really is the most amazing achievement when you finish though. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and many have used a Maggie’s Centre. This is a charity close to our hearts.”

The Trendy Wendy’s have grown to nine team members this year, with all nine set to wear blonde wigs in bunches at Monster in ode to their two founders.

Shivonne Graham, Maggie’s Head of Events, said: “We pull out all the stops to make this the ultimate team building challenge.  And anyone who has taken part will tell you it is one of the most inspiring and enjoyable weekends of the year. Participants can choose their challenge and take themselves to their own limit, whilst at the same time, helping us to continue to support the thousands of people affected by cancer who visit our Centres. It takes a great deal of determination to take part but by all accounts it’s a hugely rewarding experience both physically and mentally.”

To find out more about Maggie’s and Monster 2008 call Kirsty Toal on 0845 602 6427, e-mail kirstyt@maggiescentres.org or visit www.maggiescentres.org/monster.

ENDS

For more media information contact Tricia Williams on 0141 341 5678 or email tricia@maggiescentres.org.

Notes to Editor:

•    2,500 people have taken part in Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike to date, raising over £2.3million to help Maggie’s to build and support Centres across the UK.
•    Monster is a team event for friends, families or colleagues, with a fundraising target of £400 per person.
•    Maggie’s provide a pasta party and safety briefing on Friday, May 2. Tea, coffee, water, fruit, soup and snacks are available at each checkpoint.
•    Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres aim to equip people with the tools to build a life beyond cancer.
•    Maggie’s Centres offer a programme of information, psychological support and relaxation to people with cancer, their friends and families. Maggie’s programme of support is free of charge and operates on a drop in basis.
•    There are currently five existing Centres - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Fife and the Highlands. Maggie’s makes its expansion south of the border this April with the opening of Maggie’s London. A further five Centres are planned across the UK by 2012.