A FRIEND of cancer campaigner Johnnie Meechan is preparing to cycle more than 100 miles to raise funds and awareness for his campaign.

Johnnie, 46, started Johnnie’s Journey in 2016 after being diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer called a neuroendocrine tumour, commonly known as NET cancer.

The Tranent resident has since been fundraising for a number of local causes to raise awareness of the illness, last year running a raffle in aid of foodbanks and charity groups across East Lothian.

Johnnie’s friend William Turner is now preparing to cycle the full length of the John Muir Way from west to east, travelling through much of East Lothian, in the most recent fundraising drive.

William will tackle the 107-mile distance on Saturday, August 3, following months of training and preparation.

He will begin his cycle from Helensburgh on the west coast just before 8am to give him enough time to complete the 107-mile distance in one day.

The route heads through the Central Belt on a combination of roads, cycle and canal paths to Edinburgh before making its way down the coastal route to Dunbar.

This will be the fourth in a ‘Tour de Bunsen’ series of challenging bike rides which William has undertaken to raise money for Johnnie’s Journey.

So far, he has tackled the Mont Ventoux and Tourmalet sections of the Le Tour de France, and a third event last year conquering some of the toughest mountain cycle climbs in Europe within the three-day trip to the French Alps.

William is aiming to raise £2,000 and his GoFundMe page for the cycle says: “My good friend Johnnie Meechan had an amputation early in life after an initial battle with cancer.

“Eight years ago, after feeling very ill and a reassessment, it was discovered he had a neuroendocrine tumour and was given a timescale of life expectancy.

“With this horrendous news, he decided to raise awareness of his not rare but little-known condition by selflessly fundraising through several channels and helping others in return for promotion of his journey.

“Johnnie’s Journey has raised sizable four-figure sums over the last few years to help foodbanks, cancer patients and charities all over East Lothian, Edinburgh and beyond.

"All monies raised will again be donated to charities of Johnnie’s choosing across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“Johnnie has had a tough year again with personal illnesses, coupled with his amazing wife Evelyn recovering from her hospital treatment after her own battle with this awful disease  – again showing the bravery, humility and determination that the family has exemplified in recent years in the face of adversity.”

Donations to Johnnie’s Journey in support of the cycle can be made online at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jjrccjmuir