McKenzie Cycle Wheels Meet Real Horsepower on Epic Ride to Help Charity

Published on: 7 Aug, 2020
Updated on: 7 Aug, 2020

Louis Hall and his horse Irlanda meet Karen Mckenzie and her daughter Ellis(left).

Two epic journeys to raise money for one special charity came together for a moving meeting on the banks of a Scottish loch.

The McKenzie family of Chilworth near Guildford has a close relative with cystic fibrosis. They’re cycling 470 miles from Gretna Green to John O’Groats to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. They hope to take 12 days.

In the opposite direction, Louis Hall, who lost his friend to the condition, is on the same fundraising mission, but on a horse called Irelanda. His John O’Groats to Lands End journey, named The Big Hoof, should take about 50 days.

The McKenzie dad Kenny, 49, an IT consultant, children Ellis, 15 and Calum, 13, with mum Karen cycling and in the support car, were excited when they met The Big Hoof.

Group photo by the shores of Loch Venachar. (Left to right: Karen, Calum, Ellis, Louis, Irlanda, IT consultant and Kenny.)

Louis and the McKenzies met in Stirlingshire, on the banks of beautiful Loch Venachar, and talked of how they have seen how the trust helps patients and their loved ones, as well as backing research and development of new drugs and treatments.

Kenny said: “It was a moving meeting for everyone. We exchanged words of encouragement and tips about the routes ahead. Irelanda enjoyed her gift of apples. We are all on the same really great mission, aiming to fund-raise for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust which has done so much for my family and many others.

The family’s close relative has had their life extended far beyond what was expected when they were first diagnosed. This is thanks to drugs developed through the Trust’s funds. Louis’ friend died aged only 26.

CF is a genetic condition affecting the lungs and digestive system and affects more than 10,000 people in the UK. At present there is no cure, but thanks to research and new drugs being developed, there is a brighter future for many patients.

To support the McKenzie fund-raising, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mckenzie-k To see their progress go to https://facebook.com/karen.mckenzie.94651