Escone Solutions Director Kevin Wyness is gearing up for one of his toughest challenges to date as he prepares to take part in a 64-mile bike ride for two charities close to his heart later this month.
Kev – who is raising money for Team Jak Foundation and local Aberdeen charity Louise’s Love – will join a team of fellow riders as they set off from Huntly on Saturday, 26 August, on a route which will take them through the Highlands before finishing back at the starting point.
Another team of riders, which will include Kev’s nephew, Greig, will undertake a 100-mile cycle.
Team Jak Foundation provides practical, social, and emotional support to children and young people aged 0-25 with cancer and related illnesses, their family, friends and those bereaved.
Louise’s Love was set up in memory of Louise Matthew from Aberdeen, whose family was supported during her illness by Team Jak Foundation. Louise was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2019 and passed away in May 2020 aged just 11. Her family set up Louise’s Love in her memory to help other families going through a similar experience following a diagnosis.
Last year, Escone made Team Jak Foundation its charity of choice and, throughout November and December, Kev and his colleagues “walked to the North Pole” to raise funds.
Kev said: “In two weeks, I will be hauling my large frame around the backroads and hills of the North-east for 64 miles and an elevation I’m too nervous to think about, to raise some much-needed funds for Louise’s Love and the Team Jak Foundation.
“When Team Jak invited us to visit Jak’s Den in Aberdeen, to say we were humbled when we heard some of the stories would be an understatement. Then in 2022, I met Louise’s dad Lee who, with Louise’s mum Vicky set up the charity in their daughter’s memory to help other families going through a similar experience.
“I am estimating it will probably take me 12 hours given the ascent – something no one mentioned before I signed up! I have been training and, so far, I have managed a 42-mile distance. I’m determined to do well as this is such a worthy cause and every penny counts.”
Kev has a fundraising target of £1,500. If you would like to donate, visit his fundraising page at https://teamjak.enthuse.com/pf/kev-wyness
