A group of staff from NHS Ayrshire & Arran are about to embark on their latest challenge, cycling the length and breadth of Scotland to raise funds for children’s cancer charities.

The group are raising money in memory of team member Paul’s four year old son, Daniel Gilmour (‘Oordaniel’) who sadly lost his battle with the childhood cancer Neuroblastoma several years ago.

On Saturday, September 22 the team will leave Irvine and cycle through all 14 NHS Scotland Health Board areas, pedalling over 800 miles in 10 days.

They will begin at Woodland View, Ayrshire Central Hospital before heading south to NHS Dumfries & Galloway, east through NHS Borders then on to Midlothian, Forth Valley, Fife, Tayside, Grampian, Shetland, Orkney, Highland, Western Isles, back through Highland, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and on to Lanarkshire before returning home to Ayrshire and Arran.

Derek Cobb, Deputy Charge Nurse, said: “We have been raising money for children’s cancer charities for the past 10 years. Since Daniel passed away we have supported Paul and Fiona in raising more than £50,000 for local and national charities, such as the Neuroblastoma Society, CLIC Sergeant, Calum’s Cabin and many more.

“We have undertaken a number of physical challenges, such as cycling the Rhine 1,000 miles in 10 days and crossing the North Channel in a hand built pedalo.

“Daniel’s mum, Fiona is also a nurse at NHS Ayrshire & Arran. She has completed many challenges including the London Marathon and the three peaks challenge with other colleagues.

‘Oordaniel’ was the first charity supported by the NHS All Black and Blues Rugby Team and other social events have included the ‘Oordaniels’ ball, race nights, and garden parties. All have been greatly supported by NHS staff and the public.

“Along the way, we hope to meet up with individuals and teams who are driving new standards in clinical practice across Scotland and celebrate 70 years of the NHS. We want to meet people at the main hospitals on route, as well as community, remote and rural teams. So, if you see us out and about, be sure to give us a shout.”

In the past, the team have funded these events themselves, but this time, they are appealing to potential sponsors to support their costs for things like food, ferries to and from the islands, accommodation, a support vehicle and fuel. This will mean that all of the money they raise in donations can still go to charity.

If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact the team’s Facebook page, @oordaniel or Twitter page @oordaniel.

If you would like to donate, click here.