Denny High School teacher takes on 250-mile Kenya cycle for cancer charities

A Denny High School teacher is gearing up for a 250-mile across Kenya in a bid to support three charities.
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Dorothy Young has signed up to the Women v Cancer Cycle Kenya 2021 event to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action – and mark her retirement.

The 59-year-old maths teacher is putting in the hard yards now as she prepares for the daunting five-day fundraiser in which participants will pedal through the Rift Valley, from Mount Kenya to Lake Victoria, next October.

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Falkirk resident Dorothy also views the challenge as a way of paying tribute to all those she knows who have faced the disease.

Falkirk resident Dorothy Young will cycle across Kenya in aid of three cancer charities in October 2021. Picture: Michael Gillen.Falkirk resident Dorothy Young will cycle across Kenya in aid of three cancer charities in October 2021. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Falkirk resident Dorothy Young will cycle across Kenya in aid of three cancer charities in October 2021. Picture: Michael Gillen.

She said: “Having lost friends to these cancers and having friends who have survived and rung the bell, I want to raise money so more people can ring that bell.

“I lost a friend a way back – 24 years ago – from breast cancer. She was 37.

“I've known lots of people who have had it. I saw it advertised and thought I wanted to do it.

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“While in Kenya we will visit the Faraja Cancer Support Trust and £100 of our donations will go to this local charity.

As part of her fundraising, Dorothy Young has been making Christmas-themed face coverings. Picture: Michael Gillen.As part of her fundraising, Dorothy Young has been making Christmas-themed face coverings. Picture: Michael Gillen.
As part of her fundraising, Dorothy Young has been making Christmas-themed face coverings. Picture: Michael Gillen.

“I got a new bike a couple of years ago. I’ve been training quite a lot and I was going to spin classes.

“I’ve always liked bikes but I haven’t done anything like this before so I’m excited but apprehensive.

“I’m hoping my husband, Leslie, will train with me and we will both become more cycle-fit and lose some weight!”

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Dorothy, who was brought up in Grangemouth, must raise £3500 in order to take part in the challenge.

She’s found generating the necessary funds amid the coronavirus pandemic to be the toughest part.

Having seen her fundraising events cancelled, including a coffee morning and race night, Dorothy has resorted to making her own Christmas-themed face masks to try to drum up the cash.

She said: “I’ve made over 200 face masks and they’ve brought in quite a lot of money.”

To make a donation, visit Dorothy’s JustGiving page.

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