When three grandsons line up at the start of the Etape Loch Ness this Sunday, they won’t just be tackling 66 miles of hills, headwinds and sore legs – they’ll be riding in memory of the grandmother who inspired them all.
Brothers Martin Kennedy and Stuart Manock, along with their cousin Craig Wilson, are taking on the challenge to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause close to their hearts following the death of their grandma, Aileen Ligertwood.
Brothers Martin Kennedy (right) and Stuart Manock (left) are taking part in the 66-mile sportive alongside their cousin Craig Wilson.
Aileen, who passed away last year aged 93, spent much of her life fundraising for Macmillan in Inverness and was awarded the charity’s Chairman’s Medal in recognition of her long service.
She also played a key role in the early development of what is now the Etape Loch Ness, helping to organise one of the first rides decades ago.
What began as a small event with a handful of participants has grown into one of Scotland’s biggest cycling sportives, with the modern Etape Loch Ness officially established in 2014.
Aileen Ligertwood was involved in organising the original sponsored cycle around Loch Ness – a route that later became the Etape sportive.
“I remember Gran saying to us they didn’t think anyone would turn up to the event,” Martin said. “Back then, there weren’t phones or social media, so it was very much just word of mouth.”
Around 30 people showed up for that first ride – a number Martin said organisers were “absolutely astounded” by.
Today, the sportive attracts around 6000 cyclists from around the world – something he believes his grandma would have found hard to imagine.
The idea to take part came from Martin himself, with the challenge seeing riders complete a 66-mile circuit of Loch Ness, starting and finishing in Inverness and taking in around 900m of ascent.
“She did a lot of fundraising for Macmillan, and also helped with the Etape event, which we’d obviously heard her speaking about,” he said. “I thought this would be a really good tribute. It gives it a bit more meaning to it.”
Aileen Ligertwood.
His cousins agreed – despite one major obstacle.
“Stuart and Craig didn’t even have bikes!” he said. “That’s how unprepared we were.
“So when we got our bikes, that made obviously a big difference. We could get on with the training.”
Since then, the trio – based between Edinburgh and London – have been juggling training plans across different cities, sharing updates and trying to build fitness ahead of the big day.
“We’re all at a reasonable level of fitness, but you do need to build those cycling legs,” Martin said. “It’s not just a case of going to the gym and thinking you’ll be fine.”
Craig Wilson will be travelling up from London for the event.
Family has been central to their motivation throughout. Martin described Aileen as “a really kind, good-spirited woman” who helped keep the wider family close and spent years fundraising, often knitting items for those in need alongside her charity work.
Her husband, John Ligertwood, still lives in Inverness at the age of 94 and is expected to be there cheering them on.
“We’re really lucky to still have our Granda around at that age,” Martin said. “Hopefully we can do him proud.”
Aileen was awarded the Macmillan Cancer Relief Chairman’s Medal for long and valued service to the charity.
For the cousins, the ride is about more than just cycling.
“It’s a charity that’s really close to our hearts,” he said. “That’s what made it feel like a no-brainer for us.”
As they prepare to meet in Inverness this weekend, Martin says he is most looking forward to sharing the experience.
“Just getting time with my brother and my cousin and soaking it all in,” he said. “We used to go to Dores quite a lot as a family to walk the dogs, so there are certain bits of the route where it’ll be just nice to think back to those happy memories.
“And our support will be there at the finish line to celebrate with us – it’ll be really nice.”
And, like many riders, he admits there is one extra incentive waiting at the finish line:
“The Harry Gow doughnuts – that’s definitely something to look forward to!”
Martin (left) and his brother Stuart (right) will join their cousin Craig for the 66km race on Sunday.
The Etape Loch Ness will take place on Sunday, April 26.
Visit the trio’s JustGiving page to find out more or to donate.
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