THE backing of the people of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area is making veteran cyclist Andrew Greenhorn one of the biggest contributors to the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Bikeathon held in the Highlands.

Andrew, now 73, from Lochgelly’s Ballingry Street, raised a personal record this June of £6367.60p by taking part in the 26 mile charity cycle from Kingussie to Lagan.

This contribution has brought his total now to over £32,000 for the charity he backs after losing his dad to lymphoma aged only 58.

“I am very proud of this summer’s total and the organisers of the Bikeathon cannot thank the people of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area enough for their backing of me,” said the enthusiastic cyclist.

“The support I have received from the regulars and management of pubs and clubs in the area, and the residents who have welcomed me at their doors, is unbelievable.

“I cannot thank them enough for their backing for without them this total would not have been possible.” Among the hostelries who have supported him have been Hill of Beath Club, Kelty Club, the Silver Birch, the Woodside Hotel, Partners Bar, Diamonds Bar, the Cross Guns, Broad Street Bowling Club, Lochgelly Bowling Club, and Bowhill Bowling Club, while the pubs in Benarty have also been very supportive.

And his fundraising has even taken him to Dunfermline where visits to Wetherspoons and the Seven Kings proved lucrative.

Looking ahead he said, “To have again gone through the £6000 barrier has been so fulfilling and for 2016 I have set myself a target of £7000.” Our pictures show Andrew presenting his cheque to the organisers at Kingussie and at the stone which marks the half-way point between John O’Groats and the the border with England.