An 11-year-old Perth and Kinross cyclist will pedal 65 miles to Maggie’s Dundee because “it’s a special place with special people” who helped his mum.
Quinn McDonnell from Aberuthven will be completing the charity cycle on June 20, travelling from Stirling Castle to Maggie’s Dundee with his dad, Ronan McDonnell.
The Dunning Primary School pupil decided to raise money for Maggie’s after seeing what they did for his mum, Christine Byrne, when she was diagnosed last summer with cervical cancer.
Quinn said: “Mum went to Maggie’s lots and still goes now. It’s a special place with special people. They helped me learn about cancer and what was happening to my mum in hospital.”
Quinn and his little brother Cian were supported through a children’s day, where they developed a better understanding of what cancer is and what happens during treatment.
He said: “Me and Cian went to a kids’ day and even though other kids were meant to be there, it ended up just the two of us. The Clown Doctors were brilliant fun and we made up an amazing story with illustrations and made some really cool magic stones.
“I decided to raise money by cycling from Stirling Castle to Maggie’s in Dundee so that they can keep helping other people with cancer and their families.
“Some people might feel scared about going to Maggie’s for the first time because they don’t know anyone and don’t know what it’s like there. If they have a little bit of courage to go, the people at Maggie’s will help them be brave about cancer.”
Christine, who was given the all clear in March, said: “Quinn is a keen cyclist and did a sponsored cycle last year for Sport Relief. Given the events of last year, Quinn decided to do another cycle this year and raise money for Maggie’s.
“He has never cycled this distance before. He is doing cycling after school and going for eight or nine miles at the moment, but will build up to longer runs when he goes with his dad. He can’t wait for the day to arrive and we are proud of him for what he is doing.”
To sponsor Quinn visit www.justgiving.com/quinn-mcdonnell1.