Marathon cycle challenge for Edinburgh lawyer

Bill Gibson's Lands End to John O'Groats journey looks set to raise £20,000 for charity

News, 12 July 2006

An Edinburgh lawyer has completed a marathon cycle challenge to raise £20,000 for charity – and lost two stone in the process.

Bill Gibson, who used to weigh in at nearly 17 stone, stunned his colleagues when he announced he would attempt to complete a 1,020-mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 12 days.

Mr Gibson, 42, heads the commercial department at leading Edinburgh law firm Warners.

The event was inspired by his desire to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and for Edinburgh-based Warrender Swimming Club. Mr Gibson’s daughter is a member of the club. The cancer charity cared for his friend, Nick Buckton, who died of cancer 18 months ago, aged just 39.

Bill said: “I don’t think I could have chosen a tougher challenge than trying to cycle over 1,000 miles in 12 days. When I told my colleagues at Warners and some of my clients they couldn’t believe it.

“I think they thought that as I was carrying a few extra pounds I might not have made it back. The good thing about that was that it encouraged more people to put their hands in their pockets as they were either delighted to see me attempting such a feat or they were convinced I wasn’t going to make it.

“But I was determined to complete the challenge both for myself and to help raise as much money as possible. I lost nearly two stones on the trip, so that’s got to be one of the best diets around. The weight loss was so great that I’ve even had to buy new suits.”

The lawyer had to cycle around 80 miles on average each day, including negotiating serious climbs over Dartmoor and a gruelling 109-mile day-long route through the north of England.

He contacted various contacts and clients in the Edinburgh legal and business community, as well as his colleagues at Warners and family and friends for sponsorship, and hopes to raise £20,000 once the final monies are collected and grant-aid has been factored in.

Bob Clephane, managing partner at Warners, said everyone at the firm is delighted the commercial department's head proved his doubters wrong.

He said: “There were plenty of surprised looks when Bill announced what he was up to. But credit to him he took all the negative comments on board and was determined to complete the challenge. It’s an amazing achievement. Bill has a lot to feel pleased about and both these groups have benefited hugely because of him.”