A BEITH man taking on a mammoth 24-hour challenge for charity is just getting his efforts underway.
Gardener Greig Thomson plans on pushing both himself – and his lawnmower – to their limits as he pushes the machine around North Ayrshire with him for the full duration of a day.
The Garnock Valley local was inspired to complete the effort, in a bid to raise funds for charity Cancer Research, by his mother’s strength and determination as she bravely battles the disease.
After his walking commenced at 10am on Friday, May 31, Greig will conclude his effort at the same time the following day at the house of his mum – who is living with stage four breast cancer.
Initially setting out a modest fundraising goal of £1,000, the 42-year-old has been overwhelmed by the support shown since then after generating £3,200 of donations before his walk even began.
“The support from people in and around the community has been unbelievable,” Greig stated.
There are many people whose lives have been impacted by cancer, including my family, therefore I was talking to my friends about the need to take action to raise money for cancer research.”I worked on perhaps seven or eight people’s gardens in the course of a week, and every single one of them stated that the disease had affected them in some way.
“It provided me with the inspiration I needed to complete the 24-hour challenge.”
Greig and his family are particularly well known in Beith, having ran businesses in the area for a number of years.
Prior to her retirement, Greig’s mother, Margaret Thomson, 72, ran the family business Thomson of Beith car dealership with her husband Alex.
Eight years ago, Margaret was first diagnosed with breast cancer, and while she was given the all clear for a few years, the cancer returned in 2021.
This second diagnosis came shortly after Greig set up his own business, Greig’s Gardens, of which Margaret was a huge influence in backing his sole venture.
He added: “She is a remarkable woman who has, and continues to face many challenges in her life, but she just keeps going and never complains about her condition.
She is very strong-willed, and the family feels it. I worry about her a lot, and sometimes during the day it gets to you.
“I will be overjoyed if I can help in any way, if the money can go towards research and help other folks get through it, because I know families all over the country are experiencing a similar feeling.”Greig will start his walk from his Beith home and go through the nearby towns and villages of Barrmill, Dalry, Gateside, and Kilbirnie before returning to his parents’ home.
At various times during the journey, he will be joined by friends and family, including his children Caitlyn, 8, and Scott, 11, who will be completing the challenge.
“There is definitely no turning back now because I have good support from the local community,” Greig declared.
“I think 80 miles is the world record for pushing a lawnmower for a full day, but I’ll be content with the Garnock Valley record,” the speaker said.
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