Etape raises £1 million to help cancer care
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A LEADING cancer charity has benefitted from over £1 million in donations thanks to its partnership with a Highland cycling event.
Macmillan Cancer Support and Etape Loch Ness teamed up in 2014, and the efforts of fundraisers continue to have a positive impact on those living with cancer.
All cyclists taking part are eligible to raise money for the charity.
Over 5000 participants entered the 2018 Etape, held in April, to attempt the 66-mile trip round one of Scotland’s most iconic tourist attractions.
The ride is held on closed roads to ensure a safe environment for those taking part.
The route has been hailed as one of the most breath-taking and scenic in the world.
Eleanor Hoare, Macmillan’s challenge event programme manager, said: "Without the support of events like Etape Loch Ness, Macmillan couldn’t do the work it does.
"A huge thank you to the hundreds who chose to cycle for Macmillan and raised an amazing £1 million.
"It is really down to those people that Macmillan can go about improving the lives of everyone affected by cancer."
Etape Loch Ness event director Malcolm Sutherland added: "As event organisers we always wanted to create a world-class event which would put the Highlands on the cycling map, but more than that, we wanted to ensure that it would have a long-lasting impact that would resonate beyond the event weekend.
"I cannot think of a better legacy than that created by the magnificent effort put in by Etape Loch Ness riders – one which allows Macmillan to support cancer patients and their families both here in the Highlands and other parts of the UK.
"I’d like to thank each and every participant who has cycled for Macmillan over the past five years – along with all the family, friends and colleagues who have supported their fund-raising endeavours – for helping us to make a real difference to so many people affected by cancer."
Those wishing to register their interest for Etape Loch Ness 2019 can do so at etapelochness.com.
Places for the event are set to be released later this year.
