Linlithgow pedal power takes Lorne from London to Paris
AS far as finishing lines for cyclists go, the Eiffel Tower takes some beating.
But Linlithgow's Lorne Callaghan had the iconic landmark in his sights as he completed a 350-mile London to Paris charity bike ride.
Lorne (34) has clocked up an amazing 2300 for children's charity Action Medical Research thanks to his four days of pedal power.
And the cycle also marked the pinnacle – thus far – of the Braehead Road dad-of-two's participation in the sport.
Accountant Lorne, currently 14.5 stone, has shed an impressive six stone in the past three years, which he puts down to getting on his bike.
"To lose the weight and feel so much better, and to do something like this, it's just fantastic."
The 570-strong field of cyclists did a Parisian victory lap up the Champs Elysees and round the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower.
"It was spine-tingling, with literally the whole city stopping and everybody clapping and taking photos."
He added: "Action Medical Research is close to my heart. Not only does it look to minimise the risk of premature births, for example, but also it's trying to develop a vaccination to prevent Crohn's disease.
"My younger brother Aidan, now 30, was diagnosed when he was 11."
To all his sponsors, Lorne's message is: "Thank you very much. The money's going to a very good cause and I think I certainly earned it, especially on the third day when it rained for about 26 miles!"
Lorne cycled a lot as a child and teenager but when he passed his driving test, the bike went into the garage.
Lorne, however, sold his car last autumn and now cycles daily to work in Murrayfield, cites kids William (4) and Sara (4 months) as his motivation for getting trim.
Wife Elizabeth (35), retail manager at Dougal Philip's New Hopetoun Garden Centre, said: "I'm very proud of him and just delighted he's made it back in one piece and raised so much for a good cause."
To find out more about the charity or to donate, visit www.action.org.uk
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Monday 21 May 2012
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