Why I’m taking on the Etape Loch Ness challenge for the second time

February 20, 2020

And raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support by Roy Fraser

I’ve been a keen cyclist for many years, taking on numerous challenges. But, being originally from Inverness, Etape Loch Ness has a special place in my heart, as does Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity I’m raising money for.

Roy Fraser & brother in law David

I did the Etape for Macmillan for the first time in 2018 when I completed the full 66 miles around Loch Ness in 4 hours and 45 minutes, and I’ll be doing it all again this April. This time I’ll be cycling just days after my 53rd birthday, joined by my brother-in-law David Wain who is also fundraising for Macmillan. I got him a place on the Etape for his 60th birthday.

I was born Inverness before moving with my family to Bedford when I was a young boy. I now live in Lymm, south of Manchester, with my wife Justine and daughter Arabella.

I love coming back to Inverness for the Etape. The last time I did it, the weather was absolutely stunning. It’s great to cycle on closed roads, taking in the scenery, and the event is very well organised. I vividly remember hearing and seeing the bag piper play before the long descent back into Inverness.

But going back to the main reason why I do the Etape for Macmillan – it’s because of the care my wife received after she was diagnosed with cancer in 2014.

We were incredibly lucky as Justine was diagnosed early. She was in remission for five years, and last year she got the all clear. But there are some things that stick in your mind. I remember being in the hospital with Justine and not knowing what the future would hold. The Macmillan nurse held my wife’s hand and explained the process of going through cancer very clearly. That lady really helped us overcome the fear of the unknown and there was gentle grace to how the nurses treat you as a person.

Justine & Roy Fraser

When Justine was diagnosed, my sister Wendy was an incredible help too. We’re very close to her and her husband Dave. David and me are looking to raise £500 each this year for Macmillan.

Another reason I cycle is because of how much it helped after I was in a very serious car accident in 1999 and almost lost my leg. I suffered post-traumatic stress syndrome and cycling offered both mental and physical rehabilitation.

Etape Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s few closed roads sportives and takes in 66 miles of the stunning 360⁰ Loch Ness route. It also features a timed ‘King of the Mountain’ stage, with a 4.8-mile climb gaining 380m in height with a gradient reaching 12 per cent at times.

Budding cyclists are invited to register for some of the few remaining places in return for a pledge to raise at least £150 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Cyclists who have already entered can also opt to raise money for charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support by creating a fundraising page on Just Giving.

More information and to enter: www.etapelochness.com.