Master of Stormont William Murray is to set out from Scone Palace to undertake the cycle challenge of a lifetime for a charity that’s close to his heart.
Mr Murray, son of the 8th Earl of Mansfield, will pedal through a gruelling 2,800 miles as he circumnavigates the Black Sea.
Starting at Istanbul on Friday alongside “bike buddy” Freddy Battle, he will pass through Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia before finishing in Ankara, Turkey on August 31.
Along the way he hopes to raise thousands of pounds for Fight for Sight, the main UK charity dedicated to funding eye research to prevent sight loss and treat eye disease.
William and Freddie, both aged 24, became firm friends four year ago when they met on another cycle challenge and have been inspired by family friends James and Julian Heitz Jackson.
The twin brothers have lost their sight over a number of years because of retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive congenital retinal disease for which there is no cure.
William said: “Freddie and I are always up for a challenge and it’s a real pleasure that we are able to raise vital money for Fight for Sight.
“We came to a conclusion that we wanted to cycle somewhere different, so we could explore new terrains and cultures and this challenge will push us both mentally and physically.
“It’s the hardest one we have done, but nothing compares to what James and Julian have to face every single day.”
The twins were five years old when they were diagnosed with the condition. James, a historical thriller writer, has experienced gradual sight loss and now, at age 50, has just 2% vision left in one eye.
Julian lost his sight aged 47, but is working to help those with sight loss through his role as director of development and marketing at Fight for Sight.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the cause can visit www.justgiving.com.