An 85-year-old grandmother has completed an epic adventure across Scotland in memory of her late children.

Mavis Paterson, known as Granny Mave, has raised almost £60,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after she finished a 1,000-mile bike ride.

The pensioner, from Auchenmalg in Wigtownshire, started her challenge at the end of April and pedalled up the west coast to Thurso. She then returned down the east coast through Fife.

A crowd welcomed her home as she crossed the finish line at the Mull of Galloway lighthouse on Sunday.

Granny Mave dedicated the cycling adventure to her late children.

Sandy died of a heart attack in 2012, Katie lost her life after getting viral pneumonia in 2013, and Bob died in an accident in 2016.

The avid cyclist, who celebrated her 85th birthday only a few days ago, told Sky News: “I’ve had a wonderful trip. I am home now and feeling just a bit sad it’s all over.

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“My friend Jackie joined me and that was a very high and special moment for me. She came in Thurso and has cycled over 700 miles with me.

“We had a lot of fun. We laughed and we cried together.”

Granny Mave said the worst moment of her trip was in Fort William when she was hit with the “most horrendous headwind” and was nearly “blown off” her bike.

The pensioner praised all those who showed support during her challenge.

She said: “I was met with such kindness. I cannot ever forget the kindness I got from complete strangers, people I had never met.”

Ms Paterson said she faced a lot of “difficult moments” but kept pushing for Macmillan and her late children.

She added: “So many wonderful things happened on my bike ride that I’ll never forget.”

The pensioner is already plotting her next adventure and is planning to head out to the Hebrides with Jackie for a couple of days.

She said: “We’ll take it from there and see what happens.”

Granny Mave became a record-breaker in 2019 when she became the oldest woman to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

The year before that she completed a 24-hour bike ride, and has also pedalled across Canada.

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Macmillan Cancer Support said Granny Mave has been fundraising for the charity for more than two decades after losing her mother and sister to the disease.

Following this new fundraiser, she has now raised around £155,000.

‘An inspiring person’

Bruce Port, Macmillan’s fundraising manager, said: “Watching Granny Mave cross the finish line and complete another incredible cycling challenge is something I won’t ever forget.

“To achieve what she’s done at any age is a huge accomplishment, but having celebrated her 85th birthday just four days ago, and with two new knees and two new hips, she’s simply amazing.

“She’s one of the most inspiring people I’ve met.

“We’re so grateful Mave chose Macmillan as the charity she wanted to support.”

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