Two men completed a challenging cycle last Saturday (September 17) when they climbed the Col Du Tourmalet in France twice in one day to raise funds for Tranent charity Johnnie’s Journey.

William Turner and James Anderson took on the almighty challenge in the French heat to raise funds and awareness for their close friend Johnnie Meechan, from Tranent.

Johnnie, 44, is a father of five and was diagnosed with neuroendocrine (NET) cancer in his liver and stomach seven years ago.

He has since gone on to found Johnnie’s Journey, which has raised thousands of pounds for cancer awareness groups and helped raise further awareness for NET cancer.

The cycle has raised £2715 for Johnnie’s Journey, massively surpassing the initial target of £2000.

Johnnie said he was extremely proud of his friends and the efforts they’ve put in to complete the gruelling cycle.

He said: “I think Willie deserves a lot of credit for the work he’s put in to raise the funds. James and him have done a great job and put in so much effort training for it.

“We’re lucky to have such a generous following of people like Willie and James who work so hard to help raise funds for the Journey.

“They deserve all the accolades and I’m really grateful for the work they’ve put in.”

Johnnie went on to say that he’s delighted at how far the Journey has come over the years and that he hopes it will be something his kids can be proud of.

He said: “When I started the Journey I always said that the money side of things was an afterthought, it was mostly about raising awareness for neuroendocrine cancer.

“I’m so proud of how far the Journey has come and how many people we’ve reached over the years.

“I wanted this to be something I can pass on to my own kids when my time runs out.

“I’d rather not be the guy who’s been ill for the best part of 20 years and not done anything, I want to try and make a difference.

“We’re not going to change the world but it’s a start and that’s all that matters.”