Hamilton doctor to take part in charity cycle to raise funds for wounded soldiers

Mar 11 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON doctor and his wife will later this year take part in a charity cycle from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

Dr Simon Connolly and his wife Marilyn, both 46, will set off with their friends and associates on May 22 to raise the cash for Help For Heroes.

The charity helps members of the Armed Forces, badly wounded in conflicts, to learn the skills they need to make successful future lives for themselves and their families.

The Connollys, who run a practice in Glasgow, are looking for sponsorship from members of the public and companies UK-wide as well as equipment and logistical support from local businesses.

The Mote Hill couple have decided to organise the event themselves in order to to minimise financial costs and overheads.

Dr Connolly said: “Hardly a day passes when we witness in the press and on television the bravery of our young men and women currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Allied to this news coverage, however, is the harrowing cost in death and injury our servicemen and women have to pay in trying to establish peace and justice in those countries.”

He added: “The challenge is one we all must take up - each in our own way - to give our wounded the support they so richly deserve.

“While people like me are in a position to get directly involved, we still need the practical and financial support from so many others who though unable to participate actively in such events can still contribute the vital financial donations our wounded heroes desperately need to get their lives back on course.

“Everyone can do their bit - from pensioners to toddlers, from businesses to housewives, from schools to voluntary groups.

“No donation is too big or too small.

“We need all of you to help us to help them.”

Dr Connolly told the Advertiser that the pair have been training hard for the challenge, which will see them cycle 120 to 200 miles per day over an eight-day period.

He added: “We have been cycling 40, 50 or 60 miles every Sunday at the Esporta gym in Hamilton, trying to get our cycling miles up.

“It will be hard going, but we are stopping each night at hotels and will be followed by a support van carrying our supplies.”

The pair’s daughters - Samantha (24) and Mhairead (19) - will be supporting their parents along the way.

To sponsor the Help for Heroes Marathon Cycle Event, visit http://www.regencymedicalclinic.co.uk/lands-end-to-john-ogroats-cycle.html

Alternatively, donations can be made by telephoning 0141 332 0303.