'After losing my mum and sister, I’m taking on a challenge to show there is light on the other side'

An East Lothian man is cycling from Scotland to Benidorm in scorching temperatures following the death of his mum and sister, in a bid to show people there’s “always light at the other side”.

Tommy Hastie, from Musselburgh, decided to take on the 2,300-kilometre challenge after his sister, Kirsten, who he describes as “bubbly, outgoing and athletic” took her own life earlier this year.

Tommy and his sister Kirsten | Supplied

The 34-year-old said the family had had a “tough few years” after his mum died of terminal brain cancer.

“It just kind of broke us to pieces,” he said. “After she died we all lost our spark for a bit.

“I’m a self-employed stonemason and I was doing really well up until the point when she got ill, and I took time out for about two years to help care for her.

“Trying to go back to work was just so hard, I just felt lost. I lost my motivation to go and price the jobs. I was lazy and just didn’t want to speak to anyone or socialise.

“I was basically depressed.”

After his sister died, he was determined to do something different and decided he needed a challenge.

“It was one day after my sister’s funeral and I just woke up, like, I need to get out of the house,” he said.

“I’m trying to inspire other people and make a statement that it doesn’t matter what you go through, there’s always light at the other side.”

Tommy, who said he was not a cyclist before embarking on the challenge, set off from Musselburgh on July 25 and is now making his way through France with over 1,300 kilometres under his belt.

Tommy is currently making his way through France on his mammoth cycle | Supplied

He said he is averaging 55 miles a day in scorching temperatures of over 35 degrees.

The 34-year-old is aiming to complete the challenge in Benidorm, where his mum had a caravan and where the family spent a lot of time.

He is raising money for Andy’s Man Club - a men's suicide prevention charity which offers support groups for men struggling with their mental health.

“When I was at a bad point, I got referred to them from the doctor but I never really had the confidence to go and do it,” he said.

“I had lost all my confidence and wasn’t really going out of the house. A lot of guys don’t speak up.

“Women will speak to each other and gab to each other but men feel like there’s too much macho-ness.

“So I wanted to try and break that stigma.”

So far, the main challenges have been battling the European heatwave and making sure he’s taking on enough food and water.

“It’s extremely hot and challenging. I’m eating every hour and drinking every 15 minutes, because if you start feeling hungry or thirsty it’s already game over.”

But he says he’s been “amazed” by the places he’s seen and has been overwhelmed by the support he’s received.

“It’s been unbelievable and has been a total surprise. I have a charity fundraiser and also one where people can buy me food and coffee.

“The support from local businesses and sponsors has been amazing too.”

Mr Hastie has already raised over £4,000 and is documenting the challenge on social media. You can donate to his fundraiser here.