From 30 June to 18 July 2026, I will be undertaking a 541km solo fundraising cycle ride from Aberdeen to Edinburgh. I'll be visiting 60 gardens, ranging from National Trust for Scotland properties to private gardens opened under the Scotland's Gardens Scheme. I'm raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust which provided the most wonderful support and care for Eli, my 23 year old daughter, when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer in November 2023.

Gardens and gardening have always played an important role in my life. Through my work as a gardener and as a volunteer trustee at Jock Tamson’s Gairden, a community garden in Edinburgh, I found the solace and strength to help my daughter through her two and a half year treatment.

This challenge is my opportunity to give something back to Teenage Cancer Trust and the remarkable people who work with teenage and young adult cancer patients on a daily basis.

My journey starts at Tarland Community Gardens near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire and will take me to 60 beautiful gardens, including Drum Castle, Pine Trees Cottage, Ashbrook Nursery, Carnoustie's Tropical Garden, Strathkinness Community Garden, Cambo Gardens, Falkland Palace, Pitcurran House, Glendoick Garden Centre, Scone Palace, Pond Cottage Garden, Limekilns School and Community Gardens, Newliston and Eglinton and Glencairn Gardens. I will end at Jock Tamson's Gairden in Duddingston, Edinburgh around early afternoon on Saturday 18 July so please do join me there for a wee celebration!