By Violet Brown
AGE was no barrier for two Portavogie pensioners who captured hearts across the peninsula after cycling 100 kilometres for Cancer Research UK, raising a remarkable £20,583 for a cause that has touched both their families.
The village’s Two Auld Men, with a combined age of 152, captured the imagination of people across the area when they embarked on their challenge last month.
William Bailie and George Young have both experienced the devastating disease – William’s sister died from breast cancer while George’s wife has been fighting ovarian
cancer for the past three years. The pair, who regularly cycle on peninsula roads, now have their sights set on raising an even bigger amount next year. William maintains they couldn’t have achieved the amount without the backing and support of the community.
“It wasn’t just just me and George,” he said. “Everybody was so good to us.”
The community turned out in strength at Portavogie Primary School around 7.30am on Saturday, May 16 to give the pair a great send off.
Hot drinks and scones were served at the school which hosted a Vinted Live sale in the afternoon. Then coffee, tea and tray bakes were also on hand as the pair were welcomed home after their epic journey.
Volunteers turned out at shops along the route to lift money at bucket collections where people were keen to donate in support of the legendary duo. William admitted they never imagined they would raise as much money as they did.
“We thought we were lucky when it hit £10,000, then it went to £15,000 and we ended up with over £20,000 which was very nice,” he said, adding his thanks to everybody who donated to the cause which was ‘very much appreciated’.
“I would also like to thank everybody who helped out – they all worked very hard,” William said, including those who served the teas and coffees, those who collected, and those who organised the Vinted Live sale.
“Everybody was so good to us – they knew it was for a good cause,” he continued. “It was a good day and we are absolutely delighted with the amount raised which will be going towards research.”
William concluded: “We would like to have a go again next year – I’ll be 76 – and maybe raise even more money. We have been at it every Sunday for a couple of hours trying to get into training for next year.”
