Cyclists take to the roads for ‘Ton for Tumour’ fundraiser

An Orkney man, fighting brain cancer, is due to cycle 100 km for charity tomorrow, Sunday, before embarking on a year of intensive treatment.

David Taylor, from Kirkwall, along with his son Kyran, has been in training for two months for the Ton for Tumour cycle, which will leave the KGS car park at 10am and make multiple laps of a 13km route around the town.

It is just over a year since David underwent a six-hour operation to remove 70 per cent of the deep-rooted tumour, which was attached to his frontal lobe.

The operation took place at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and he was looked after on the Neuro Ward.

Having found out about the charity, Friends of the Neuro Ward ARI, David thought this would be the perfect way to help others like himself.

He hopes to raise “as much as humanly possible”, to go towards the purchase of a protein reveal imaging machine, which enables surgeons to view brain scans in 3D.

Friends of the Neuro Ward have already raised £35,000 of the £50,000 needed for the protein reveal machine. Once purchased, it will be the only one of its kind in Scotland.

David and Kyran are encouraging other cyclists to get involved with the event.

David said: “If anybody wants to join us on the day for a lap, or wants to do the whole cycle with us, they are very welcome. Just remember — I will be riding at a snail’s pace — please be kind to me!”

Anyone wishing to contribute can do so at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ton4tumours