Three time gold medalist at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Sir Chris Hoy has taken time out of his busy schedule to endorse Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres largest annual fundraising event – the Monster Bike & Hike.

Monster 2009 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 takes place on the bank holiday weekend of May 2nd and 3rd and takes in some of Scotland’s most awe inspiring scenery, starting under the shadow of Ben Nevis in Fort William, along the Caledonian Canal and the Great Glen Way offering views of Loch Ness en route to Inverness.

Chris Hoy, winner of 3 Gold Medals at the 2008 Olympics, said: “I know, from training and competing, what can be achieved through receiving the right information and support from the team of people around you. At Maggie’s Centres, they have dedicated teams of staff who offer a unique mix of practical and emotional support to anyone affected by any type of cancer, as they recognise that cancer is one of the biggest challenges that you can face in life and that you should not go through it alone. To continue providing such vital services, Maggie’s needs your support.”

2009 will be the sixth year of the Monster Bike and Hike, with £2.5 million raised to date. Over 700 people are expected to take part to raise £500k for Maggie’s network of Centres, which offer emotional support and practical advice to people with cancer, their families and friends.

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year continued: “Setting goals and objectives and taking on challenges can provide a real boost, both physically and mentally. I achieved my goals in Beijing, which was truly exhilarating. I would encourage people to take on the challenge of Maggie’s Monster Bike & Hike. After biking 30-miles and then hiking 8, 22 or 43-miles the medal around your neck will feel like your own Olympic Gold. You will have achieved your goal, be surrounded by majestic scenery and know that your hard work has directly helped people to build a life beyond cancer. There couldn’t be a better feeling – so go on, set your goal and sign up now.”

Almost 250 participants have already signed up for Monster 2009 and Event Manager Claire Noel says that the event is crucial in keeping the current centres open and developing in the future. “Monster is a crucial event for Maggie’s – allowing us to support and develop a network of centres across the UK. We couldn’t do this without the Monster Bike & Hike. If you’re looking for an excuse to get fit, see a great part of Scotland and spend a weekend with family, friends or colleagues, then Monster is for you. And you’ll be helping Maggie’s support thousands of people on their journey through cancer.”

Alan Law, who uses Maggie’s Fife, said: “In Maggie's I can actually explain the good days along with the not so good to like-minded souls, who you know understand the emotions that come through living with cancer. Maggie’s Centres are uniquely designed buildings on the outside but inside they are like a home. You are genuinely cared for supported and encouraged to be just who you are. The centres are safe places to find your best route to manage the illness and make the journey ahead much smoother.”

To find out more about Maggie’s and Monster 2009 visit www.maggiescentres.org/monster, call Claire Devlin on 0845 602 6427 or e-mail monster@maggiescentres.org