Epic cycle journey followed by marathon

9:00am Saturday 11th October 2008

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A MAN on a mission will endure 1,300 miles in the saddle before crossing the Atlantic to sweat it out on the streets of New York.

Gus McKechnie, 33, from Dorchester, is to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End in memory of his late mother Judy.

He sets off on Monday on the anniversary of her death and expects his cross-Britain endeavour to last 10 days.

Just 10 days after reaching his destination, Gus will fly to the US to take part in the New York Marathon.

It marks the end of a series of epic adventures Gus has taken part in throughout 2008 to raise £19,295 for Rotary charities.

He said: “It’s been an exciting year.

“The cycling is going into unknown territory because I’ve never cycled that distance before.

“I hope to cover 166 miles a day.

“This will be my third time doing the New York marathon and I’m hoping to get round a bit quicker this year.

“Last year my mum had just died and I was just trying to figure things out.”

Judy McKechnie died of a heart attack caused by ovarian cancer.

When Gus makes it to the South West from John O’Groats, he is planning to lay a Scottish flower in Weldmar Hospice’s garden in memory of his mum.

He will also be going the distance for his late dad and his brother Andrew, who died of the genetic condition haemochromatosis.

Gus has also inherited the condition, which is an iron overload disorder.

He said: “I can get fatigued easily but I can control the condition.

“It’s been hard work raising all the money, but I’m not stopping yet and there’s more to come next year.”

Gus has already completed a sponsored row, the London Marathon, a sail around the Isle of Wight and a run in Leeds this year.

Next year he plans to take part in more fundraising activities and to write a book about his exploits.

Gus also plans to auction off some rubber ducks signed by celebrities to add to his fund-raising total.

He has collected signatures from Nell McAndrew, Ellen McArthur and other sailing stars.

To sponsor Gus, you can visit www.justgiving.com/bombayduck2008