A CHARITY effort, which is aiming to raise £100,000 for Cancer Research UK, set off from Auchterarder yesterday.

Sam Wightman from Kinross organised Scoot To Africa in memory of his mum, Anne, who lost her battle with stomach cancer almost 20 years ago.

Joining Mr Wightman on the journey to Morocco and back on 125cc scooters are Kirsty Laird (19), Duncan Cuthill (35) and Duncan’s son Calum (19).

They left from the Cafe Kisa in Auchterarder, where Sam is in charge of the kitchen, for the journey they expect will take them 20 days.

Mr Wightman said, “I turned 28 last week—the same age as mum was when we lost her to cancer.

“Being so young at the time, and not fully understanding exactly what was going on with my mother’s illness, it is just now that I’m reaching the age she was when she died, and feeling fit and healthy, that I realise she was so young.

“There are many families who have found themselves in the same situation.

“Losing any family member is difficult, but losing your mother at such a young age was devastating.

“With this in mind—and as a tribute to mum—I have assembled a team of people that share my desire to do their bit to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK, with the hope that we will be helping to prevent other families going through what mine had to.

“We feel strongly that the costs of the trip should not be covered by donations given, so all costs are being fully covered by sponsorship—which means every penny donated will go to fund the vital work of Cancer Research UK.”

Dorothy Rodger, area volunteer manager with Cancer Research UK, expressed her gratitude to the Scoot To Africa team and to those who are sponsoring it.

She said, “Cancer Research UK currently invests over £27 million annually in Scotland alone.”

She added, “The Scoot to Africa team have managed to raise some £30,000 already, and you can help them reach their £100,000 target by visiting www.scoottoafrica.com, or by calling 08701 602040 and explaining that you wish to make a donation to Scoot To Africa.”