OUR latest rummage in the Advertiser's archives has dug up a story from 15 years ago about a Helensburgh dad and Royal Navy officer who was all set to take on a gruelling cycle ride for charity.

Here's how we reported on Justin Beattie's fund-raising plans on February 10, 2005...

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THE Tour de France is one of the most gruelling physical competitions in the world - but it’s not too tough for one local sailor.

Chief Petty Officer Justin Beattie from Helensburgh is doing this year’s L’Etape Du Tour – a punishing one-day cycle ride of 177km through the Pyrenees.

The 33 year old father-of-two is undertaking the challenge in memory of his mum, June, who died of cancer last year.

He’s aiming to raise £2,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care, the charity which looked after June last year, and is appealing for sponsorship.

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Maintainence manager Justin has already started his training, cycling the 15 miles to and from work at RNAD Coulport from his home in Drumfork Road, Helensburgh and is going out most weekends with the Lomond Riders Cycling Club.

He is also looking forward to a week long training camp in Spain next month.

Despite this, Justin says he’s still daunted by the Gallic quest which will see him gain a total of 3000m in less than 10 hours.

Justin said: “There are some big hills on the way to work but not nearly as big as I’m going to be doing on the day.

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“It’s filled me with absolute terror. It’s probably similar to running back to back marathons on foot except that would be on the flat and this is over three mountains.

“Some bits of the road are over 12 per cent gradient.

“I’m expecting to lose a couple of stone on the way to getting there!”

He says the support of his family has been crucial.

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“My wife Emily’s been nagging me about going out and getting enough training and my kids, Oliver (6) and Michael (4), are laughing at daddy coming in in a sweaty mess and collapsing on the lino so I don’t sweat on the sofa,” joked Justin.

He added: “This is a fantastically worthwhile cause and they helped my mum and the rest of our family so much, I thought that it was time to do something for them.

“Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean Marie Curie can continue their invaluable work supporting families in their time of need.”

Justin will be part of a team of 12 naval workers from all over the UK taking part in the challenge on July 11.

READ MORE: Catch up on all the latest news from across Helensburgh and Lomond here