Welcome to the first of our Fundraiser Spotlight series where I catch up with one of our incredible fundraisers and find out how they support The Canmore Trust.
I sat down with the inspirational Debbie O’Hara to find out her top tips for taking on epic challenges. Debbie is (amongst many other things) a cyclist and has completed three challenges to raise funds for The Canmore Trust. Debbie has cycled the Glasgow to Edinburgh Canals in a single day, completed an 11-day trip, 6 of those cycling, through Cambodia and Vietnam and most recently she cycled through Goa. To date she has raised a staggering £7,200 for The Canmore Trust.
I asked Debbie to tell me about herself and how she became involved with The Canmore Trust.
Debbie is 61 years old and has been married to Gerry for 42 years. Together they have two children, Katie and Stephen. It was through living in the same beautiful Scottish town and their children attending the same school that she knows the Gibson family. A keen cyclist and ride leader for her beloved Callander Meanderers she has twice taken on the “Ride the Night” for cancer charities.
I asked Debbie if she could remember the moment when she decided she was going to do something big?
Following Cameron’s funeral John and Isobel came into the Deli Ecosse Cafe where Debbie works and they got to talking about cycling. She recalls that John asked if she would consider raising money for a suicide awareness charity. So, before The Canmore Trust was born, that conversation sparked a passion that Debbie has dedicated herself to.
Even Covid lockdowns couldn’t stop Debbie; she cycled 108.8 miles (the equivalent of 4 marathons!) in a circuit around Callander for a suicide prevention charity.
It isn’t just cycling that Debbie does to fundraise, as a talented baker (and I can personally vouch for that!) she makes cakes for her cycling group and the money they donate goes towards her fundraising. During Covid Debbie also began to make masks for people and the donations she received for those also went into the pot, raising just under £2000. She also makes, decorates and sells Christmas cakes which are always popular.
Debbie is one of the founding supporters of the Canmore trust and when I described her as being ‘in with the bricks’ she laughed and told me it went way deeper than that. I believe her.
I asked Debbie if she’s had to deal with anything unexpected during her challenges.
The travel restrictions following Covid meant that her trip to Cambodia and Vietnam was delayed twice, meaning that it took place in 2022 just as The Canmore Trust came into being. That gave her an extra push. Debbie books her trips through a company called ‘Dream Challenges’ and pays for them herself so every penny goes directly to supporting the charity.
More recently, as Debbie trained for her Goa trip, her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Faced with a difficult decision of whether to postpone or not, Debbie’s family and friends rallied round to help, and she was able to take on the challenge.
Debbie is clearly not a woman who is easily daunted but I asked her what she did when she faces low points during her training or the challenge itself.
‘Ah, the hills!’ Debbie said. Her strategy is to keep talking to herself and reminding herself that she CAN do this. I have rarely met anyone with as much grit and determination as Debbie, and she tells me that her tenacity serves her well. Although she might not be the fastest on the hill, she will get it done.
Training for her challenge in India was intense because she had so many other things to deal with but the support from her family, friends and the community helped her through it.
We moved on then to the highlights of these experiences.
Debbie told me about the support she had during her canal route challenge. She had set off at 6am just as the sun was rising and arrived at The Falkirk Wheel ready for coffee only to find that it wasn’t open. She had her ride progress streaming into the WhatsApp group for the Callander Cycle Meanders and their messages of support, and gentle teasing, kept her moving.
As the ride progressed Debbie saw a cyclist on the path ahead and as she approached a familiar voice called out to her. Her friend cycled the next stretch with her to a stop where friends were waiting with a cream scone and her long-awaited coffee at The Falkirk Wheel on the way back.
Next up came Kirkintilloch Stables and the last pit-stop of the ride. More of her group were waiting and cycled to the finish with her. On arrival she celebrated by popping open a bottle of Pink Prosecco. In true Debbie fashion she only had a sip because she then had to drive home. It is clear that community is important to Debbie and her dedication to raising money was rewarded when she received an invite from King Charles to attend the Garden Party at Holyrood Palace.
Next, we talked about the unexpected positives of the challenges.
Debbie spoke about the confidence she has gained from travelling to these remote places alone and the new friendships she has made. Cycling is a brilliant way to see the world and people are so friendly.
During one of the days of the Vietnam to Cambodia challenge the group were caught in a torrential rain shower. The local villagers opened up their homes and offered the group shelter. Debbie chatted to the families and the children. She’s always felt looked after.
So, what is next for Debbie?
Debbie is cycling through Laos in October, an 11-day adventure, with 3 friends she met on the Vietnam to Cambodia trip. Her goal is to break £10000 with her fundraising.
Finally, I asked Debbie what advice she would give others who wanted to take on an epic challenge?
Do your training, even the hills. Learn about the culture and the climate of the place you are going and be prepared. 35 degrees and 97% humidity is not easy to manage!
Try cold water swimming to help you recover.
JUST DO THE THING and have a ball!