81-year-old becomes oldest woman to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats

An 81-year-old cyclist has become the oldest woman to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG). Mavis Paterson, from Auchenmalg in Dumfriesshire, undertook the ride in memory of her three children, who all died within the space of four years in their 40s.

Paterson began fundraising for the charity after losing her mother and sister to cancer. 10 years ago, aged 71, she rode across Canada – an effort that was documented by the BBC – and last year she completed a 24-hour ride for the charity.

"I always set myself a goal and a challenge and it takes my mind off the grief that I suffer with losing my children," she told the BBC.

She rode the 960-mile LEJOG route with another cyclist, Heather Curley, with the support of a motorhome and driver.

Shortly before they set off on May 30, Ineos confirmed that it would be sponsoring the Scottish leg of her ride to the tune of £10,000, which explains the gear in the image below.

It’s hard to find the words now. After three weeks of an utterly unforgettable journey. We did it

So very, very grateful for all the support, the fun, friendships, cyclists who joined for a few miles, vehicle drivers – especially for their tea-making skills, campsites... pic.twitter.com/JSK9eiHwrz

— Mavis Paterson (@MavisCycle) June 22, 2019

... tearooms, gifts of home baking, gifts of cycling gear, teacakes and caramel wafers, liquid sustenance of all forms, good wishes, media interest, bike repairers, phone fixers, encouraging messages on social media, witnesses who signed verification sheets, sponsorship, and ...

— Mavis Paterson (@MavisCycle) June 22, 2019

... – of course - the donations

The funds for @macmillancancer will help so many people who need it, and that’s what matters.
Thank you all pic.twitter.com/xvNFrLoYYT

— Mavis Paterson (@MavisCycle) June 22, 2019

Peterson’s efforts have raised over £50,000 for the Macmillan Cancer Support on top of the Ineos donation. You can still donate here.