SCOTTISH architect Jim Webster, co-founder of HAUS Collective, has helped raise almost £50,000 for two cancer charities after leading a team of seven friends on a 1,000-mile cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The ‘Ride Against Cancer’ team received a warm welcome as they crossed the finish line last week, cheered on by friends, family and pipers from the Wick RBLS Pipe Band.
Each rider has a deeply personal reason for taking on the challenge, having lost a wife, a parent or supported a loved one through cancer.
Organiser Jim Webster, whose wife survived breast cancer, said, “We took on this challenge to do something together that was positive after each of us had a loved one go through cancer and it’s been both incredible and humbling. So many Scottish businesses stepped up to support us with logistics, supplies and donations and we’ve had an incredible team of helpers, including colleagues, friends and family.
“We know that cancer affects almost everyone at some point, but it really hit home during the ride as so many people stopped us after spotting our Ride Against Cancer jerseys to share their own stories. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who’s donated to help Maggie’s and Young Lives vs Cancer be there for families when they need it most.”
David Cobban, director of Savills in Glasgow, who lost his mum to cancer and whose wife survived breast cancer, added, “What kept us going was knowing why we were doing it. Every climb, every mile in the rain felt like a small act of defiance. This challenge was personal for me and it has been fantastic to have the support of my colleagues and to have Savills as the main ride sponsor.”
The team has raised almost £50,000 so far, with donations still coming in, which will be split between two charities: Maggie’s, which offers free practical and emotional support to people with cancer across the UK; and Young Lives vs Cancer, which helps children and young people and their families find strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.
A range of businesses from across the built environment sector joined Savills in supporting the charity ride, including OFR, Howden Group, Joint Design Direction, HAUS Collective, PMP, MFMac, WGM Engineering, Syme Property Consultancy, Rennick Property, Booth Welsh, Goodsons, FORE Partnership, and Redwood Property Marketing, with further support from Sixt, Mind My Health and Macfarlane Whisky.
Donations can be made at givewheel.com/fundraising/6822/Ride-Against-Cancer
