Seeking 101 Dundonians for Maggie's Monster Bike & Hike 2011

This year sees the eighth Maggie's Monster Bike & Hike and a man from Dundee is looking to make a huge difference by seeking 101 people in his community to take part with him.

Bruce Tasker was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 and started to visit Maggie’s Dundee, joining a Men’s Discussion Group where he made great friends in Gordon Kirk and Alan Anderson. The three decided to give something back to Maggie’s and signed up to take part in the 2010 Monster Bike and Hike.

Bruce was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in March 2010, yet he still took part in Monster whilst undergoing chemotherapy, getting to the Bronze finish. Alan got to the Silver finish and Gordon made it through to Gold along with Lesley Howells, Centre Head at Maggie’s Dundee.

This year, Bruce hopes to get to Gold and he is hoping to get more people to join him on the event to raise funds and awareness for Maggie’s.

Bruce said: “Those that know me will know that I don’t like to do things by half measures, so I hit upon the idea of increasing the size of my Monster team quite significantly; up to 100 people! So we thought of creating the Dundee 100 Club, then changed it to 101 Dundonians. We don’t know who is going to be Cruella De Ville yet though.”

Bruce continued: “Joking aside, Maggie’s has literally saved and changed my life. When I was received my diagnosis of cancer for the first time I was going through a separation. I was down and there didn’t look like a way out. I was ready for driving off a bridge, instead I drove to Maggie’s and spoke to Centre Head Lesley Howells. I’ve lost my Dad and my brother to cancer, I thought I was going to die, Lesley and Maggie’s have taught me that I can live.”

Tracey Curry, Community Fundraiser at Maggie’s Dundee said: “Monster is Maggie’s biggest annual fundraising event and the 2010 event raised over £600,000, with almost 1,000 people taking part. If we can get a team of 101 Dundonians to take part, we could raise up to £50,000 for Maggie’s Dundee.”

Tracey continued: “The support so far has been outstanding, with teams from Thorntons and CJ Lang and Son among many that are going to be part of 101 Dundonians. So if you New Year resolution was to get fit and do something for a good cause, Monster could be for you."

For more information on 101 Dundonians please email Tracey Curry or call 01382 496 384.