Fantastic Friday - A day of training, sunshine and Maggie’s Lunch on the Loch
Friday 15 May 2026
Friday 15 May was one of those days where everything seemed to land at once – training, fundraising, and a few moments that reminded us exactly why we’re doing this.
A 9-mile walk in Scottish sunshine
We started the day the only way we know how – with a walk. Nine miles in genuine Scottish sunshine, which counts as a small miracle and certainly beats some of our recent simulation conditions. A perfect way to clock the miles before a long afternoon ahead.
Thank you to Urquhart’s Opticians
From there we headed to Urquhart’s Opticians to film a short thank you video. We’re thrilled to share that Team MAD has been awarded £500 from the Urquhart’s Community Fund – a fantastic boost for our fundraising for Maggie’s. There was even a big cheque for the photo (sadly photo optics only – we can confirm it doesn’t fit in a bank deposit slot). Huge thanks to the team at Urquhart’s for backing us.
The Lochside Lunch at Cameron House
From Urquhart’s we headed to Cameron House for Maggie’s flagship Lochside Lunch – a stunning setting on the banks of Loch Lomond and an afternoon of generous spirits and even more generous bidding.
The event raised approximately £68,000 for Maggie’s across the afternoon – an incredible total.
Team MAD had organised two lots for the auction: a boat trip for ten on Loch Lomond generously donated by Captain Richard Bickerton from Beau Jangles and an Audience with Elaine C. Smith. Together these raised £4,800, which – added to the £500 from Urquhart’s – brought the day’s total for Team MAD to £5,300 raised in a single day. We are absolutely delighted.
Roddy’s speech – the reason we do this
The most powerful moment of the day came from Roddy, who spoke movingly about losing his wife of 50 years to pancreatic cancer, and the support he has received from Maggie’s in the time since. It was a beautifully delivered and deeply honest speech, and we don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.
If either of us has a wobble in the months ahead – if there’s a moment in training, or on the run to Dover, or somewhere mid-Channel, where we wonder whether we can really do this challenge – we will think of Roddy’s speech. That is exactly why we are doing this, and exactly who Maggie’s is there for.
Onwards and upwards
A huge thank you to Urquhart’s Opticians, to everyone who bid on our lots, to Elaine C. Smith for her time and generosity, to Maggie’s for putting on such a special afternoon and for the programme shout out and to Roddy for sharing his story.
Onwards and upwards with the fundraising – every pound takes us closer to our target, and every story reminds us why it matters.
Team MAD – Mother and Daughter
