A GLASGOW man with incurable cancer cycled more than 570km across Europe to raise funds for charity.

Erl Wilkie, 78, had been planning the trip with his friend Donald Christie for a few years, but it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The trip was further delayed when Erl was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in November last year.

Donald and Erl have been running and cycling together for almost forty years. Since retiring, they have taken on several major cycling trips such as Glasgow to San Ginesio in Italy and Berlin to Warsaw.

Glasgow Times:

They’ve also run through various European countries such as France, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. The trip from Amsterdam to Hamburg was the only part of Europe they hadn't yet travelled.

The pair completed the challenge last month, and by doing it, they’ve now linked from Glasgow all the way to Warsaw and Gdańsk in Poland.

They raised £2472 for the Beatson Cancer Charity following their efforts during the six-day trip.

Glasgow Times:

Erl said: “I did it because of the care which I got and am still getting because I’m incurable. I still get this 3-weekly drug called Herceptin.

“The care I had in the Beatson was second to none. It was wonderful. And of course, the fantastic research which they are doing too.

“I felt very strongly that I had to pay something back for the wonderful treatment that I’ve been given. So that’s why we decided to do it for the Beatson.

“One gets a huge buzz out of being able to do these things for charity – there is no better charity than the Beatson for myself. It does do your own heart good to do some good.”

Glasgow Times:

Calum McNair, challenges and community engagement fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, added: “We are so grateful to Erl and Donald for completing this incredible challenge in aid of our charity.

“It’s always inspiring to see former and existing patients fundraise following the care and treatment they received at the Beatson – and this challenge is no different.

“Cycling over 500km across Europe at the age of 78 following a cancer diagnosis is quite remarkable – and we cannot thank them both enough for their support.”