Aberdeen Airport fire manager Bernie Dunlop will be pedalling nearly 286 miles from London to the French capital over four days to raise funds for Friends of ANCHOR after facing his own personal journey with cancer.
The 52-year-old from Kintore was one of 24 north-east men who stepped out of their comfort zone to strut their stuff on stage for the charity’s annual fundraiser, Brave, in May. Each model who stepped onto the catwalk had faced a cancer diagnosis or blood disorder at some stage in their life.
It was in 2021, after immersing himself in his hobby of cycling to maintain his fitness, Bernie noticed he was suffering from extreme fatigue. During what were supposed to be long-distance cycles, he found he could only cover five miles before having to turn around and head home. Putting it down to getting older, he received a huge shock when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer just a few months later.
He said: “I should have listened to my body when I was cycling, but I wrongly put it down to age.
“Having gone through surgery and rehabilitation, I want to prove to myself that I am over it all and that I can get my fitness back.”
Having to endure 12 gruelling weeks of chemotherapy and an operation during COVID, Bernie said his head filled with questions, including worrying about getting to see his children grow up.
However, he remained courageous, determined and stubborn throughout his treatment – something he will be channeling when he embarks on his cycling challenge.
“My motivation will be to show myself that I can do it and that I have got this within me.” He continued, “I have never done anything like this in my life so it will be a huge achievement.”
Accompanying Bernie is his friend and colleague, Robert, who have encouraged each other to get back on the saddle and build up their endurance and stamina. Then came Robert’s suggestion of cycling from capital to capital.
The pair will set off from London, Blackheath Common on Thursday 19 June and on the final day will enter Paris, passing the famous Arc de Triomphe, to head down the cobblestone Champs-Elysées before finishing under the Eiffel Tower on Sunday 22 June.
Roxie Davidson, Fundraising Executive at Friends of ANCHOR said: “With the confidence and determination shown by Bernie throughout his Brave 2025 experience, we have no doubt that he will push through the tough spells of this challenge and cross that finish line.
“As he sets off on his journey, his fundraising stands at £1,867. Every penny will go directly towards patients here in the north-east and we can’t thank Bernie enough for continuing to support us. We will be cheering him on all the way to the end!”
To donate to Bernie’s fundraiser, head to www.justgiving.com/page/bernard-dunlop-3