Leith man cycles 4,100 miles across America for cancer charity

A FUNDRAISING photographer has returned from a mammoth 4,100-mile cycle ride across America for charity.

Micah Stanbridge cycled across the USA.

Tough terrain, mechanical mishaps and dodgy detours are just some of the obstacles Micah Stanbridge overcame on his six-week odyssey.

The 36-year-old from Leith was raising cash for blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

Micha says: “My mother survived blood cancer thanks to a donor match found through Anthony Nolan and I sadly lost a close friend, Tom, to a similar disease in 2012.

I wanted to set myself a challenge and that’s what I got. The toughest part was in Kansas where I experienced relentless headwinds which wore me down. I’ve climbed around 170,000 feet in six weeks but it is incredibly rewarding. I was fortunate that it only rained for 10 minutes in the whole six weeks and suffered just one puncture.”

Micah is now more than halfway to his £15,000 target after setting up an online fundraising page for people to donate. He has raised £7,785 so far.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me, donated, shared my story and signed up to be a potential stem cell or bone marrow donor,” he said. “Thousands continue to fight, and for many finding a suitable stem cell donor is their only hope. Every penny I’ve raised can save a life.”

Micah set out on the Trans­America Trail last month, a route that traverses west to east across America.

He saddled up in Astoria, Oregon, on the north west coast, before heading through the Rockies, taking in the ­Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

He then rode across the great plains and finally the Appalachian Mountains, cycling about 150 miles and ten hours every day.

Back home a little weary but elated this week, Micah said it was all worth while to raise money for a life-saving cause.

Mum Sheena McCurrach said: “I’m very proud of him – I can’t believe what he’s achieved.”

The charity aims to help patients with blood cancer or blood disorder by matching stem donors to those who need a lifesaving transplant.

It also carries out cutting edge research, funds specialist post-transplant nurses and supports patients and their families through the transplant process.

Rowena Bentley, senior community fundraising manager at Anthony Nolan said: “We are delighted Micah has completed what has been an epic cycle in aid of Anthony Nolan, and can’t thank him enough for taking on such a momentous challenge.

“Fundraising is vital to our work and the money raised by Micah will enable us to recruit potential stem cell donors to the Anthony Nolan register.”

To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/supermarrowman