Granny Mave completes ferry cycling challenge

AT the age of 87, Wigtownshire legend Granny Mave continues to prove that it’s never too late to take on new challenges and raise vital funds for others.

Last Friday, Mavis Paterson completed another epic challenge raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

She cycled continuously on board a Stena Line ferry during the sailing from Cairnryan to Belfast and back, to help fund vital Macmillan information and support services for people living with cancer.

Mavis cycled for the full duration of both crossings – over four hours in total – on a static bike on board, cheered on by ferry passengers, crew, and supporters.

Every mile she pedalled was dedicated to the memory of her three children, Sandy, Katie, and Bob, who all tragically passed away within four years of each other, each in their forties.

Upon completing the challenge, Mavis said: “Getting on the bike again is something I had always expected but this has been a real challenge.

“The swaying of the ferry had me knocked for six very early on but the Macmillan team and Stena staff got me through it.

“I’d like to thank everyone who stopped to donate and offer words of support as well as those who shared their cancer stories.

“They had all gone through challenges that makes this challenge pale in comparison.

“They are the real heroes and many of them had been supported by Macmillan which is why this silly old woman does these things.”

Mavis has been a tireless supporter of Macmillan Cancer Support for over 20 years, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds through a series of extraordinary challenges.

Earlier this year, she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her remarkable dedication to charity.

Her inspiring fundraising record includes a 1,000-mile cycle around Scotland at age 85, raising £74,300; Becoming the oldest woman to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats on her 81st birthday, raising £75,000 and at the time earning a Guinness World Record; Completing a 24-hour cycling challenge shortly after recovering from hip and knee surgery, raising £4,000; On her 70th birthday, she cycled across Canada, followed by the BBC cameras, raising £20,000 in the process.

Mavis also inspired the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse abseil which raised £125,000 over four events. This led to three other events at Lighthouses across Scotland which raised a further £60,000 for Macmillan.

Kenny Parker, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “At Macmillan, we want to say a huge thank you to Mavis for another incredible fundraising challenge. Her determination, strength and kindness continue to inspire people across the UK.

“We’re hugely grateful for Mavis’ continued support over the years to raise vital funds for Macmillan. Getting behind the cause has never been more important, there are almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, including around 290,000 people with cancer in Scotland. We know not everyone is getting the care they need, but these vital funds raised help us on our mission to ensure better cancer care is available for everyone.”

Norris McLean, Onboard Sales & Services Commercial Manager at Stena Line, said: “We were proud to support Mavis and be part of her team for this special fundraising campaign and I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our customers who gave so generously during our sailings. Care is at the core of everything we do at Stena Line. Whether it’s caring for our passengers, our people, or the communities we serve across the UK and Ireland, we’re committed to making a positive difference.”

• There’s still time to donate to Granny Mave’s challenge via JustGiving to help Macmillan do whatever it takes to improve cancer support for everyone. Alternatively, to donate, volunteer, raise money or campaign with Macmillan, call 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk.