AN INSPIRING pensioner cycled nearly 20 miles in memory of his dearly beloved as part of a charity fund-raiser.

William Scullion took up his new found hobby of cycling with the Vale of Leven Trust shortly after he lost his wife Rose last August to dementia.

The 89-year-old decided he wanted to bike from Balloch to Luss and back after his birthday to raise money for Dementia UK and awareness of the work the charity do for people.

One of his granddaughters, Monica Barrett, explained that family and friends wanted to show their support by completing the cycle with him on July 16.

Monica told the Reporter: “He had not been on a bike for over 50 years. It started as a personal goal that he wanted to cycle to Luss and then he was going to do it the weekend after he turned 89, but also raise money for a dementia charity.”

After hearing William’s ambitious plans Argyle Bowling Club in Alexandria got together and raised more than £1,500 from donations, raffles, football scratch cards and even hosted a charity night.

 

The family had a charity night at Argyle Bowling Club

The family had a charity night at Argyle Bowling Club

 

During the day William had constant cheers and motivation from near and afar from his five children, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren with many of the grandchildren taking part in the sponsored cycle with him.

Monica added: “We were only hoping to raise a couple of hundred pounds, but the community support has been outstanding. His local bowling club has done so much to support him and we are so thankful for that.

“The cycle was great because he had his family and friends by his side every pedal of the way. We stopped to refuel with lunch in Luss and before long he was back on the bike heading back to Alexandria. He was greeted by his local bowling club with a huge round of an applause.

 

William hopped on his bike

William hopped on his bike

 

“On behalf on myself and the whole family we wanted to express how proud we are of him. He is truly inspirational to us as a family and the community. He always has a kind heart and loves to think of others before himself.”

For more information or to donate to William’s cause visit his JustGiving page at bit.ly/3OM11IB.