A Stonehaven-based businessman is cycling the total course, 21 Stages of the Tour de France, one week in front of the professional peloton, next month raising monies for the William Waite Memorial Trust (WWMT). In doing so, David Morrison championed the Russell Anderson Foundation to benefit from a local perspective for his 2164-mile marathon.

“Both charities’ ethos and values almost mirror exactly that of each other, helping improve the lives of youngsters in low socio-economic areas, and I put forward the case for what RAF has achieved here in the north east, WWMT were happy to award RAF a substantial donation.”

While David is planning with around fifty other cyclists to complete the total route which finishes in Nice in July, others are only competing for the first or second half and some just the opening three stages.

Since signing up for the event last August, David has covered around 9,400 miles representing over 600 hours in the saddle to ensure he’s as fit as he possibly can be for Florence. “The effort to get to the starting line cannot be underestimated and, during the 23-day event, I’ll be cycling uphill the equivalent doing the Cairn O’Mount 171 times!”

Russell has nothing but admiration for David’s efforts, “We’re really thrilled that David nominated RAF for support from the WWMT and it was a huge but very pleasant surprise. It’ll be a gruelling challenge for him but having heard the training he’s put himself through, I’d be amazed if he doesn’t come through with flying colours, we’ll certainly all be rooting for him.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking the following link: https://fundraising.wwmt.org/fundraisers/davidmorrison