Nathan (6) and his dad complete Glasgow-Edinburgh cycle challenge

Sep 24 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A FATHER and son team from Bellsquarry got on their bikes for charity recently.

Stephen and Nathan Henley took part in the Glasgow to Edinburgh Pedal for Scotland cycle event for cancer charity Myeloma UK.

And at an age where most kids are still learning how to ride a bike without stabilisers little Nathan, (6), completed the full route in four hours and 40 minutes.

The pair have raised over £1100 for the charity and hope more money will come in.

As he was under the age of 10 Nathan was only allowed to take part on a tag-along, a one wheeled bike which attached to the end of his dad’s cycle.

But Stephen said the Bellsquarry Primary pupil was a big help and inspiration to him along the way.

“I thought after the first few miles it was going to be quite tough but Nathan really helped out.

“Towards the end I could really feel him pedalling behind me and pushing me on.

“He didn’t want to stop. When I wanted to get off on a hill and push the bike up he wouldn’t let me as he wanted to pedal the full way.

“He’s a hard task master.”

Mum Sarah said she was very proud of Nathan’s efforts.

“He had sore legs but he went into school on Monday.

“The plan was that he was only going to do about two-thirds of the route but in the end he did the whole thing as he was having so much fun.

“We’re all very proud of him.”

All the money raised by the father and son team will be donated to Myeloma UK.

Sarah’s aunt Heather suffers from the condition.

There is currently no cure available, although treatments are improving that are helping to increase patients’ life expectancy.

Stephen added: “Throughout her treatment MyelomaUK has offered crucial support to Heather and her family. I hope people will donate generously so that it can continue to help others like Heather.”

Anyone who wants to add to the Henley’s total can do so at www.justgiving.com/stephenhenley2009.