Kirkbean cyclist completes 3,100 mile charity cycling challenge

New Abbey Village Hall was packed on Saturday for a fundraising coffee morning to celebrate a local man’s epic cycling challenge.

Kirkbean charity hero Ian Baird completed his 31 Days in May marathon in aid of Myeloma UK the previous day at Carsethorn.

Dozens of well-wishers cheered as he crossed the finish line at the Steamboat Inn – which laid on a special buffet.

Ian, who turns 67 this week, cycled a 20.5-mile loop on roads between New Abbey and Southerness for a whole month.

He covered 100 miles a day for a total of 3,100 miles – the same as Glasgow to New York.

His cycling buddy Robert Sommerville was diagnosed with myeloma in 2015 – and did a lap with Ian most days.

The coffee morning in the hall featured home baking, sales tables, activities, a tombola and raffle ticket sales.

But the main draw was Ian, who took to the stage with Robert and wife Denise to thank everyone for their support.

Ian told the News: “It’s very touching.

“The amount of support from the people of New Abbey, Kirkbean, Southerness, Carsethorn and everywhere else has been incredible.

“It really has touched my heart.

“I’ll still be out on the bike up to the family cycle day on June 23, which is the last event for my Myeloma UK fundraiser.”

Ian added: “It’s been a great experience and if anyone deserves praise it’s Robert Sommerville.

“He has myeloma and has been cycling 20 miles with me every day.

“Karen Love is organising the big raffle draw at Carsethorn on June 23, also for Myeloma UK.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Ian’s Myeloma UK campaign can do so at justgiving.com/page/bairdykaren8.