Pedal the Isles 2025

In 2021, my husband Norman MacGeoch battled Stage 4 metastatic bowel cancer, which had returned with a vengeance in his liver, following an initial cancer diagnosis 9 years prior.

This time, the cancer was terminal and as Norman entered palliative care and our children flew back from abroad, we decided we would look after him at home here in Lewis.

It was only down to the unwavering help and support from the Macmillan Cancer Nurses and WICCI that Norman was able to stay at home with his family around him right up until his last moments. It is almost impossible to describe how much that meant to us and to Norman. Being able to be together was the greatest gift in the darkest time.

As a family, we were negotiating our way through completely unknown and terrifying territory and having professional help, medical assistance, advice and emotional support was invaluable.

A friendly, compassionate and caring nurse arrived in our house every day like a breath of fresh air. Always anticipating what he needed, dealing calmly with the unexpected, cracking jokes with him until the end, giving him a shave when he was too weak, getting his medications exactly right, all the while caring for him with respect and dignity. Not only did they care for Norman, but the nurses were also so kind and understanding to a grieving family who were scared and hurting. It’s impossible to appreciate the true value of these incredible calibre of people until you find yourself in that situation. The nurses brought light and laughter to our darkest days, ultimately allowing Norman to be surrounded by his family right up until the end.

Over the course of the following year, we lost two more close family members and Norman’s oldest and dearest friend to cancer. I decided I’d like do something each year to raise funds to help and support cancer victims and their families, as well as essential research.

Early in 2022, my closest friend Sonia Hudson and I decided we’d walk the Hebridean Way for one of these fundraisers. Every year we’ve tried to find two weeks where we are both not working. It’s been impossible, we both seem to be permanently busy with work and the arrivals of lots of lovely grandchildren.

This year, another close friend of ours, Kate Abrahams, suggested joining us to cycle the route instead - an excellent idea as it would take less than half the time! The Point and Sandwick Trust have been very supportive and have lent us community bikes to complete the challenge. I am very happy to say that when I went to collect the bikes, they were electric ones – ideal for us gals, as we’re not exactly spring chicks and there has not been too much time for training either!

So, from 5th – 11th June, Sonia, Kate and I are cycling the entire 185-mile Hebridean Way, from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis.

This is no ordinary bike ride. Over 7 days, we’ll ride across 10 islands, over 6 causeways, and take 2 ferries, through some of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes in Scotland. It’ll be tough - but we’re doing it for a charity that means so much to us.

Our support crew consists of my brilliant neighbour Mark, who has volunteered to drive the gals to the starting point and back to our accommodation every evening. It’s reassuring that he can fix most things too! Equally reassuring that Kate is a physiotherapist, although hopefully we won’t require either of their skills!

Want to join us in making a difference? We’re raising money to benefit Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative and Macmillan Cancer Support, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this incredible cause that means so much to my family, friends and I. We’re sure Norm will be having a laugh somewhere at our expense but supporting us nonetheless!

More information about Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative: The Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI) is a registered charity. As a charity we have developed a unique partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to address needs and provide support for specific issues faced by cancer patients and their families throughout the Western Isles.