On the 19th of May family and friends will be cycling the Etape Caledonia 2019 in memory of Chris Vaughan while raising funds for St. Columba's Hospice, Edinburgh.

Team Chris Vaughan is currently made up of his wife Anna, sister Julie, brother Andrew, sister in law Gillian, brother in law Luke, nephew Ewan and his friends: Raymond, Margaret, Sophie, Nial, Moira, Keith, Chris S, Hugh, Barbara, Chris A, Rob, Lindsey, Ben, Dawn, Jonty. The team grows by the day!

The two Etape Caledonia routes take in the best of what the Highlands has to offer. Winding roads, tree-lined avenues, lochs, mountains and everything in between. The 85 mile course is technical and challenging in parts with two major climbs up Trinafour and Schiehallion. The 40 mile route includes most of these challenges, but takes a slightly shallower climb around Schiehallion.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

When Chris was diagnosed with a brain tumour in April 2016 our world was turned upside down.  It was taken over by a bewildering array of hospital appointments, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy - all managed brilliantly by the NHS but leaving so many unanswered questions and evoking so many different emotions.  

The Maggie's Centre is a stone's throw away from the Cancer Ward at the Western General.  An early visit there provided a warm welcome, a much needed cup of tea and a haven from the hospital environment.  Beyond this it was clear that the support, empathy, knowledge and understanding provided by the centre would be critical in filling in a lot of the gaps and questions that existed for both Chris and I.  In particular Chris found the support group of great value - to be around people facing similar situations and to have the time and space to share thoughts and ideas, to laugh and to cry. 

The centre provides invaluable support to individuals, families and carers to help guide them through the most challenging time in their lives, including how to help and support their children.  It also provides a great resource of knowledge and ideas, in addition to classes and group activities ranging from art, yoga and relaxation to cooking and walking, which significantly enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of those living with cancer.

We will always be grateful to the Maggie's Centre, and its wonderful staff, for their invaluable support and kindness.

Thank you so much for any donation you are able to make to help them continue with their vital work.

Anna

About Etape Caledonia

The Etape Caledonia is a mass participation cycling event that has attracted more than 35,000 people since it debuted in 2007. With 5,000 places on offer each year, this sell out event attracts riders from all over the country to take on one of the most breathtaking rides through the spectacular Scottish Highlands.
The event offers 85 miles of closed road cycling beginning and concluding in Pitlochry. The course is a cyclists dream; consisting of rolling hills and forest-lined roads around Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel, combined with the demanding, twisting climb of Mt Schiehallion (1,083m).

For more information visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk