Pedal power to pull Steven through the worst of NC500 challenge
"Warrior" Steven MacKay has been joined by Raymond Sutherland having switched to two wheels from two legs
Last updated 26th May 2022
It was never going to be straightforward in taking on the North Coast 500, but for Steven MacKay his running challenge has been made even tougher given some dreich weather this week.
Achilles pain, followed by soaked feet becoming infected, has led to Steven moving to two wheels to continue through the driving wind and rain.
Not to be deterred by the setbacks, he's decided to adapt, with bikes borrowed to push on through.
Steven's been joined by Raymond Sutherland in the North West stretch of the 516 mile journey.
"The support has been excellent, it's been absolutely brilliant with people stopping, cheering us and putting money in the buckets", said Raymond.
"Steven's just a warrior, he's been battling on and getting through it, obviously we've switched to bikes but it's just about adapting and getting on with it"
It's perhaps not been ideal for Raymond, given his five months of running in preparation for the event.
"I've never been on a road bike before today and I've got a new found respect for those people riding them"
"It's been hard but I've enjoyed it. Hopefully we'll get some running in before the end depending on Steven's injuries"
Steven's been joined by several supporters along the way, aside from Raymond there has been Andrew Macleod, Pebbles Sawyer, and Kellie Dingwall, as well as many others along the route.
"It's been fine for me", said Raymond, "but Steven's already done about six days, so it's just about getting the job done"
In heading North to join Steven, Raymond realised the enormity of the challenge ahead for himself, but also what had been already covered up until now.
"I travelled up and stayed at Steven's Auntie and Uncle, when coming up you get a sense of the serious elevation on the route", said Raymond.
"Added to that you've got the weather, the wind in your face and the heavy rain that we've had, so it's been tough"
Wednesday saw driving rain along the West Highlands, with strengthening winds which have made it difficult on two-wheels let alone on foot.
"I'm there just to help as much as I can, I mean I've got my own sponsorship page, but it's Steven's challenge"
"We have a laugh on the journey", added Raymond, "even about the weather, but the scenery is beautiful - that's really one nice thing about it"
Anyone living across the North will have noticed the increased numbers of travellers heading to the more remote parts of the Highlands to sample the North Coast 500, but Raymond says many have taken the time to back their cause.
"Campervans have been stopping and with Donald in the support van people know what's coming up and they've been good in stopping and giving money"
Raymond said that despite the challenges he is still very much keen to see it through and "get the job done" knowing that it will hopefully benefit so many children across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.
"I love that with Cash For Kids the money stays in the area", said Raymond, "Steven's been sharing the videos of some beneficiaries so that really means a lot also, it's an excellent cause.
"I'm just glad to be here helping Steven and helping a great cause, I like being pushed to the limit, hopefully I'll improve on the bike.
"No doubt we'll be soaked to the bone again, but it'll be another day done, and another day closer to Sunday when we finish and it'll all be worthwhile."
Later this month MFR’s charity Cash for Kids is raising money to help support families who are struggling with the cost of living, you can find out more about Cash for Kids Day and donate here