PRESS RELEASE JUNE 13, 2008
KAYAKING FOR CANCER
MEN TO PADDLE FROM EDINBURGH TO GLASGOW TO RAISE THOUSANDS FOR MACMILLAN
Two Lothian men will kayak from Edinburgh to Glasgow to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Michael Hanratty, 23, and Jeff Elders 26, will paddle the 66-mile route along a network of canals in just two days, camping on a riverbank overnight.
The friends hope to raise thousands of pounds for Macmillan to thank the charity for the support it gave to their friends and family members who had cancer.
Michael, from Musselburgh, said: “It will be a big challenge to cover so many miles in a weekend. We’ll be exhausted afterwards but it will be worth it. I know a few people who were helped by Macmillan when they had cancer so I really wanted to do something to help the charity.
“I’ve always enjoyed kayaking so it seemed like a good – and unusual - way to raise money. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone taking on this challenge before.”
The men will set off from Edinburgh Quay at 7.30am on Saturday, June 21. They will travel along the Union, Forth and Clyde canals before ending their challenge at the British Waterways building in Springburn, Glasgow, on Sunday evening.
Both Michael and North Berwick man Jeff have been training hard to prepare themselves for the 66-mile kayak.
Michael, who works for Hector Russell kilt-makers on Edinburgh’s Princes Street, said: “We’ve both been trying to work hard, but to be honest neither of us have had time to do as much training as we would have liked – although we will still be able to complete the route.
“I want to raise £20,000 for charity before I’m 40 so this is my first big fundraising attempt. I love kayaking. Being on the river is so peaceful – although I know this time it will also be a lot of hard work!”.
Macmillan fundraising manager Fiona Leitch said she was delighted to hear about the men’s challenge. She said: “This is a really unusual way to raise money for Macmillan, and I wish them both all the best. It’s fantastic that they valued the help their friends and family got from Macmillan so much that they have decided to raise money for us.
“I’m sure they’ll have a great time on the water, and that they’ll succeed in raising lots of money to help us fund vital local cancer services.”
To donate money to Michael and Jeff visit their Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/66milkayak.
For more information about Macmillan or arrange an interview with someone from the charity, contact Michelle Gallacher on 0131 260 3720 or [email protected].
About Macmillan Cancer Support:
Macmillan Cancer Support provide medical, emotional, practical and financial help to people affected by cancer.
Michelle Gallacher
Macmillan Cancer Support
Communications officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland
0131 260 3720
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