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Looking for Nessy in memory of husband

Lucy McGuire
26/ 6/2008

A WHITEFIELD mum will join over 100 people in a 28-mile expedition across Loch Ness in memory of her late husband.

Louise Read, of Albert Drive, told the Advertiser in February about her husband David’s dying wish to canoe across Scotland’s second largest loch in south west Inverness.

He expressed his dream to row across the loch during an emotional holiday there with Louise and their baby son, Tom in August 2006.

David was undergoing chemotherapy for mouth cancer and wanted to take on the challenge with his brother in aid of Bury Hospice, where he was treated.

Sadly, David lost his battle with the disease on New Year’s Eve that year, and since then Louise has gathered 120 people to walk, canoe or cycle the trail in aid of Bury Hospice and Bury Cancer Support Centre.

The event on Saturday, July 26 will see friends and family journey miles to take part, including David’s dad, and two of his brothers from Australia.

Thirty-five people will take a 22-mile journey in two-man canoes, 14 people will cycle 28 miles on land, 14 people will do a 15-mile hike and 40 adults and children - including two-year-old Tom - will take on a three-and-a-half mile family walk.

Louise said: "This time last year, I would have been absolutely stunned if I knew we would organise such a large-scale event but it has come together gradually.

"We’ve had donations from local and national businesses but still need another £1,800 to cover the £6,000 costs. We hope after the event we will reach our £20,000 fundraising target.

"I’ve been doing lots of cardiovascular work to prepare.

"I am also attending the launch of Mouth Cancer Awareness Week at the House of Commons in November.

"I also hope a pedal and push challenge can become an annual event for us."

For more information on mouth cancer go to: www.mouthcancer.org.uk.

-For more information on the Loch Ness Challenge, visit the website: www.pedalandpaddle.co.uk

To take part email Louise at: info@pedalandpaddle.co.uk or call: 07771 525588.