Any cyclist unlucky enough to take a tumble on this year's Marie Curie Etape Caledonia can take comfort from one fact: with more than 400 employees of NHS Scotland signed up for the sportive, medical assistance is likely to be close at hand.
From midwifes to neurosurgeons, radiographers to physiotherapists, healthcare professionals across Scotland have been inspired to attempt one of the UK's premier cycling events, which takes place on 10 May this year. Setting out from Pitlochry, the Etape Caledonia sees participants ride an 81-mile route through the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
The Etape Caledonia raises money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, with health professionals particularly aware of the important work this charity does for people with cancer and their familes.
Liz Phillips, a GP from Perth & Kinross, took up cycling as a way to keep fit seven years ago and now rides a 30 mile round trip to her surgery each day, where one of her Marie Curie Cancer Care Daffodil jerseys hangs proudly on the wall. Dr Phillips, who turns 50 in April, has taken part in the Etape Caledonia numerous times, seeing the event as the lynch pin of her year, providing focus for training and her fundraising for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
"The Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia has an incredible atmosphere, with the whole town of Pitlochry getting involved," the GP explained. "It really makes me feel proud to live in Perth & Kinross. My surgery is big into cycling too, in fact, most of the money I raise each year is through patients and you'll often find bikes in the consulting rooms! After the event I will go straight to work 6pm-midnight at the GP out of hours service in Dunfermline, which I've done the last two years of the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia and it can be quite fun.
"In my daily job I see a lot of patients and their families going through the palliative and terminal stages of cancer. Families carry a heavy care burden as well as the extreme emotional burden of having a loved one with cancer. The provision of a Marie Curie Cancer Care nurse overnight can bring much needed rest, with the confidence that, should anything happen someone will be on hand to care. Supporting patients living with cancer is an extremely rewarding part of our job and Marie Curie is instrumental in achieving that."
Jamie Hepburn, Scotland's Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, commented: "Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia is fast becoming one of Scotland's top sports participation events, and its growing success is a sign of how popular cycling has become. It's great to hear that so many NHS staff will be taking part in the event. Health workers understand how important it is to keep active - both for your physical and mental health. They also know what a fantastic job Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses do, and I've no doubt that's the reason why so many of them have chosen to support this tremendous charity."
The 2014 edition saw participants raise more than £350,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care, contributing vital funds that enabled the charity to provide care for more than 40,000 terminally ill people and their families across the UK. The charity has ambitions to go even further this year, with fundraisers aiming a target of raising at least £380,000 between them.
As the UK's first closed road cycling event, the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia is a bucket list event for many UK cyclists. General entries for the 2015 Etape Caledonia sold out in just three days, but Charity Pledge Places are still available. To join the Marie Curie Cancer Care 'Daffodil Team' visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk to book your place.
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