Over 100 prison officers from across several Scottish prisons will be taking part in the event on the 2nd and 3rd of May bank holiday weekend across the Great Glen Way, whilst 12 prisoners complete a simulated challenge inside the confines of their prison gym.
 
Today (Thursday 19 March), the guards and prisoners took a break during their training session at Perth Prison to welcome a special visitor – Maggie’s Dundee Centre user, Cliff Appleton.  Cliff gave an inspirational talk about the support he has received from Maggie’s through his cancer journey from his initial diagnosis of stomach cancer, through treatment to an eventual terminal diagnosis. 
 
Maggie’s Centres, which are free-of-charge and rely solely upon fundraising, aim to equip people with the tools to build a life beyond cancer.  Around 650 participants from across the UK are expected to take part in Maggie’s biggest fundraiser, Monster Bike and Hike 2009 –  a 30 mile cycle, followed by a hike of your choice – 8 miles (bronze), 22 miles (silver) or 43 miles (gold).
 
The relationship between SPS and Maggie’s started when prisoner officer, Alan Arundel’s wife passed away of cancer.  Alan and a few colleagues signed up for Monster 2007 in memory of Alan’s wife.  The team grew in size for Monster 2008, with five prisoners also joining in by signing up for the simulated challenge. 
 
PE officer at HM Perth Prison, Glen Miller, said: "This is the prison officers third Monster Bike and Hike and the second simulated one that we have held in the prison. Monster 2007 was such a challenging and inspirational event for us, as we took part in memory of people we knew who had been affected by cancer.  It soon became apparent that an event like this would provide a fantastic goal and focus for the prisoners also, and that it would greatly help towards their rehabilitation.   We have more prisoners fundraising for Maggie’s this year and we hope to expand upon it year after year, as we have witnesses the rewarding results for those involved.  Having Cliff come along to speak today was a humbling experience and really put things in perspective for us all.  I know that the prisoners are now more determined than ever to complete the challenge and raise more funds for Maggie’s.”
 
Cliff Appleton said: “Maggie’s has been a huge support to me on so many levels, which is why I am pleased to share my experience of cancer and using Maggie’s with others.  I have met people from all sections of society at Maggie’s and if there is one thing I’ve learnt, it is that cancer doesn’t leave any section of society untouched.  It was great to see the prisoners responding so positively to what I said.  As someone who enjoys a physical challenge, I can appreciate the determination and hard work that it will take for the prisoners to be able to complete this event indoors with only the walls to look at.  I hope that I have managed to help them understand just how important it is to support charities like Maggie’s.”
 
Grant Yuill, Maggie’s Corporate and Events Co-ordinator, said: “It is great to have witnessed the support from SPS grow so rapidly over the past three years.   And furthermore to see how taking part in Monster, whether outside or simulated, really has a profoundly positive impact on individuals.  Maggie’s Centres are vital to the thousands of people across Scotland affected by cancer and that has been aptly conveyed to the prisoners today through Cliff’s talk.  SPS are now our biggest team ever to sign up for Monster Bike and Hike and we would like to extend our thanks to all signed up for taking Maggie’s to their heart.  We have a team of Scottish police officers signed up for Monster this year too and I’m wondering if we’ll be able to get some friendly rivalry going and see who can sign up the largest team for Monster 2010!”
 
St Johnstone’s Football Club are also backing the prisoners and prison officers, with footballers from the team attending the prison on the day of the simulated challenge (April 30th) to give them a morale boost.
 
Monster 2008 takes in some of Scotland’s most awe inspiring scenery, starting under the shadow of Ben Nevis in Fort William and taking in views of Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and several Munros, as participants travel along the Great Glen Way to Inverness.

For more information about Monster visit www.maggiescentres.org/monster.