Niagara Falls to New York for fundraising cyclists

Pam Floyd is pedalling from Niagara Falls to New York over the course of just six days to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Pam, who is joined by her friend Carol Fish, has already raised more than £6,500 - more than £2,500 above their initial target.

She said: “I lost my mum two years ago.

“She was in a Marie Curie hospice at Fairmilehead and we truly and deeply indebted to the staff at the hospice and wanted to give something back.

“Until you use the service of the charity, you do not appreciate what they do and we decided to do this.

“We decided to sign up for it and we leave this week.

“When we signed up, we looked at the map and thought it would be downhill from Niagara Falls.

“I’ve since found out it is not but never mind!”

Pam’s mum, Alice Ogilvie, from Gorebridge in Midlothian, died after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Pam described the work at the hospice as “amazing” and added: “The staff and the help afterwards, there is a lot of help and support afterwards and I don’t know if people are aware of that.”

The duo, from North Berwick, started their challenge last Thursday.

In the lead up to the event, they have been training hard but Pam, who works as an admin manager for a biotech company in Edinburgh, admitted it was still going to be tough.

“One of the biggest challenges is doing multiple days of cycling,” she said.

“You do not have days to recover and that will be one of the biggest challenges.”

It marks a remarkable turnaround for Pam and Carol, who only took up cycling a few years ago.

Pam, of North Berwick, admitted previously they would cycle to Fenton Barns for a coffee and thought they were doing well.

Now, they are getting ready to cycle an average of 68 miles each day having funded the trip themselves to ensure all the money goes to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Pam said: “We’re nervous and excited and a bit apprehensive as well.”

To make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/PAM-FLOYD.