A SPRINGSIDE man completed a gruelling 500-mile charity cycle in tribute to his late sister who worked at Crosshouse.

Russell Collins, 59, completed his ‘500 Miles in June’ challenge for the Bone Cancer Trust last week.

We reported last year how sister Lauranne Jones, 62, was given a heartfelt send-off by colleagues at Crosshouse Hospital after being treated in the same cancer ward she served in as a nurse.

Fellow nurses, doctors and colleagues at Ward 3A of the hospital stood outside wearing purple to say one last goodbye to their friend as her funeral procession passed the hospital.

And on Wednesday last week, brother Russell, who works with North Ayrshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership, finished his epic cycle at Crosshouse Hospital raising more the £680 so far and thanking everyone for their donations.

He said: “I just finished it at Crosshouse Hospital on June 30. Unfortunately we lost our oldest sister Lauranne Jones who had worked in Crosshouse for years. Although a year has now passed it’s still quite raw for us.

“I’m not exactly a light sporty guy, I’m about 19 stone, but I work with the council and had got this E-bike, then saw that 500 Miles challenge.

“£682 is what I’ve managed to raise for the Bone Cancer Trust. It’s certainly been an adventure. Am I sore? Yes, absolutely, I feel like John Wayne.

“But it was also a very emotional journey. There were times you think I can’t be bothered, but just the thought of doing this for my sister does spur you on. When people donate, that just pushes you on as well.

“ It was quite emotional on the last nine miles and my wife Shona she’s joined me and did half the same mileage.

“Working with the council, they’ve got these ebikes you can borrow, as they’re always encouraging you to travel smart. I wanted to get fit, so I borrowed one and then bought one for me and my wife.

“What a difference they make, it just opens up the road for you.

“I’m now an advocate of the E-bike. You still do have to pedal and work up a sweat but it makes a difference going up the hills.”

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