AN AMAZING charity fundraiser from Dumfries and Galloway has been honoured by outgoing UK Prime Minister Theresa May.
She awarded plucky 81-year-old Mavis Paterson of Auchenmalg, near Glenluce, with a Points of Light Award for her fantastic achievement in becoming the oldest woman to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Mrs May, announcing her final award on the eve of her departure from Downing Street, explained she was impressed by Mavis’ outstanding record in raising money for charity and her voluntary work.
Mavis’ recent challenge raised more than £64,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Having previously cycled across Canada at the age of 70 to raise funds for Macmillan, Mavis’ latest cycle was again inspired by seeing the help the charity gave to close relatives with cancer and in memory of family members she had lost.
In a personal letter to Mavis, the former Prime Minister said: “Your inspirational 969-mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, in memory of your children Sandy, Katie and Bob, has touched the hearts of thousands of people.
“The donations you have raised will make a real difference to the work of Macmillan Cancer Support.”
Presenting the award on behalf of Mrs May, newly appointed Scottish Secretary and local MP Alister Jack said this week: “I was absolutely delighted that the former Prime Minister, in her busy final week in office, chose Mavis as an extremely worthy winner of her Points of Light award.
“Mavis’ previous energetic efforts for charity impressed me greatly but her latest marathon cycle is an example to us all, whatever our age. She is a terrific ambassador for Dumfries and Galloway.”
Mr Jack added: “Her can-do attitude in raising money for a good cause, at a time she was grieving for members’ of her family, is an inspiration to others going through difficult periods in their lives.”
Mavis, who is known to relatives and friends as ‘Granny Mave,’ hopes to be even fitter shortly as she is due to go into Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for a hip replacement.
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