A TEACHER from Coatbridge High is preparing to get on her bike and help to raise thousands of pounds for a cancer charity.
Motorcycle enthusiast Ann Wilson has signed up for the “Breast Way Round” event, which will see almost 100 women ride from Kilmarnock to the Highlands before finishing in Glasgow. Its aim is to raise awareness and money for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of the late best friend of founder Shirley Anne Barnes. The name of the charity bike ride is inspired by the epic journey completed by film star Ewan McGregor in his Long Way Round documentary. Art teacher Ann signed up for the event at the Edinburgh bike show, grabbing one of the last available places, and has since gathered support from pupils and colleagues at the Kildonan Street school. She said: “I heard about this event last year and really wanted to get involved to help this time around I lost my mum to lung cancer in 2006. “I first started riding motorbikes in 1996 and my parents were both wary about it initially, even though my dad often used to watch the sport on TV &ndash but they eventually got used to it! “Everybody at the school has been really supportive. A few people are surprised as I’m not big-built so they’re amazed that I’m able to complete it!
The journey begins on May 22 at Rugby Park, the home ground of Kilmarnock FC, with participants then taking the Dunoon ferry to Oban.