After her three Children died, 85-year-old Mavis Paterson cycled 1000 miles around Scotland

At 85 years old, most people are enjoying a well-earned retirement. But Mavis Paterson of Edinburgh has taken on her most grueling challenge yet - cycling 1000 miles around the scenic coastline of Scotland to raise money for cancer charity Macmillan.

Paterson's motivation comes from immense personal tragedy. In the late 1980s and early 90s, she lost all three of her children - two sons and a daughter - to cancer at young ages. I still miss them every day," Paterson said.

After retiring from her as a teacher ten years ago, Paterson found solace in long-distance cycling. She began with moderate 30-50 mile rides but steadily increased in distance, topping out at 200 miles in a single ride. When she turned 80, Paterson decided to take on her biggest challenge yet - cycling the entire perimeter of mainland Scotland.

The 1000-mile route would take her along coastal roads, through picturesque fishing villages and past dramatic cliffs and beaches. Paterson estimated it would take her 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on the weather and her own endurance at 85 years old. She trained intensely for a year in preparation, fitting in multiple 50-80 mile rides per week when she could.

Paterson's motivation for the ride was to honor her children and help others battling cancer through Macmillan."Macmillan was there for us through the hardest times, so this is my way of giving back," she said.

She began her ride in early May, cycling an average of 60 miles per day along the scenic North Coast 500 route in the Highlands. Facing headwinds, rain and fatigue, Paterson persevered with memories of her children spurring her on. Well-wishers tracked her progress online and sent donations to Macmillan as she rode.

After over a month of cycling, Paterson completed her 1000-mile circuit in late June, arriving emotionally exhausted but proud back in Edinburgh. Her efforts raised an astonishing £50,000 for Macmillan - more than ten times her original £5,000 goal.

A Macmillan spokesperson praised Paterson's achievement: "Mavis is an inspiration. Even after such personal loss, she has given so much to help others through their cancer journey. Her fundraising will make a real difference to people in Scotland."

Now at 86, Paterson says she's fulfilled her dream of honoring her children this way but won't stop fundraising. She continues to cycle shorter routes to spread awareness of Macmillan's work. Hers is a story of enduring love, loss and the power of giving back - even in your eighth decade.

Local Cyclist Raises Thousands for Cancer Charity

Mavis Paterson, a 52-year-old resident of Edinburgh, has completed a series of long-distance cycling rides over the past year to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Paterson took on endurance challenges of 50, 100, and 200 miles to help

support people living with cancer.

Through her efforts, Paterson has raised over £5,000 for Macmillan. She began fundraising last summer with a 50-mile ride from Edinburgh to Glencoe. In the autumn, she took on a 100-mile loop through the Scottish Borders. Her biggest challenge was a 200-mile ride from Edinburgh down the east coast of Scotland and back in May of this year.

Paterson was inspired to fundraise for Macmillan after her mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

Paterson trained for months before each ride, fitting training rides of up to 80 miles around her work schedule as a teacher. She faced challenging weather conditions on some of the longer rides but was spurred on by messages of support from family, friends and online donors.

Paterson says she has no plans to stop fundraising and hopes to take on more cycling challenges in the future to help Macmillan's work. Anyone wishing to support her can still donate online.