Ayrshire's Dianne saddles up for big cycle

Aug 1 2008 by Yonnie McInnes

Dianne Harrison

DIANNE Harrison, from Ochiltree, will soon be getting on her bike to travel from John O’Groats to Lands End.

Her aim is to raise as much cash as she can for the Ayrshire Hospice.

She said: “I’ll be going with my friends Andrew McMaw and Pauline McClelland from Northern Ireland and we’ll be cycling for some 1000 miles..

“Our cycle will begin on Saturday, August 2, and we aim to reach John O’Groats by Friday, August 15.

“I’m a keen cyclist, and have previously done some long-distance cycling, but this will be by far the longest bike ride and also the most physically demanding thing I’ve done. We’ll be cycling up to 95 miles per day for 14 consecutive days.”

Dianne, who works for the family business, M J Harrison Supplies of Tarbolton, has been training as much as possible for the gruelling cycle.

She explained: “I’ve been cycling in the mornings before going to work which takes real determination.

“I try not to think about having to get up at 5am to go cycling but just go for it and have a real sense of satisfaction once I have completed the task.

“I have also been swimming and attending classes at Bannatyne's gym in Ayr to try and improve my overall fitness and stamina.”

But she says it’s all in a good cause, adding: “I am doing this cycle to raise money for the Ayrshire Hospice because I feel they do great work in Ayrshire, providing patient care in various forms, as well as support to patients and their families in very difficult times.

“I have also known people who have been patients in the hospice and who have received great care and attention.

“I have not set a target sum but hope to raise as much as possible with Ayrshire Post readers’ help.

“I will be keeping the cause at the forefront of my mind during our bike ride and especially on the days when I will no doubt feel like giving up.”

Dianne will cover all expenses herself so that all the cash raised will go directly to the charity.

She went on: “As my starting date fast approaches the enormity of this task is beginning to hit home but I’m determined to give it my all for such a worthy cause.”

To sponsor Dianne log on to www.justgiving.com/dianneharrison-lejog or phone 07759 209339.