A “determined” Cambuslang schoolboy is taking on a gruelling cycling challenge to raise money for charity.
Dominic Fallon has signed up to pedal 444 miles across Scotland and raise money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
The 10-year-old and his dad, Paul, will start their seven-day journey at John O’Groats and travel down to Portpatrick, taking only their camping equipment.
And cycling legend Mark Beaumont – who holds the record for cycling around the world – sent the youngster a special message.
Proud dad Paul told Lanarkshire Live: “We had a guy who was an apprentice engineer in our work who sadly took his life in 2022.
“It was a really tough time for everyone and the conversation came up about how we could try and raise money for SAHM.
“I thought about cycling the length of Scotland. Originally I had planned to do it in three days, but once I spoke to Dom about it, and he wanted to do it, I broke it down to seven days. He’s a determined boy.
“Dominic first got into cycling around two years ago, he won a competition at his school for a £150 voucher for Halfords for a bike and since then he’s become quite involved.
“He’s been cycling quite a bit with me.
“I think he is the youngest person to have done the journey self-supported. I told him he would have to really do the training and carry his own sleeping bag.
“It’s a tough challenge - both mentally and physically. If he feels like he can’t keep going then that’s okay. It’s not a bad thing if he doesn’t.
“This is his personal challenge, and it’s all about trying to spur him on and keep him going. It’s an experience that not many 10-year-olds can say they’ve done.
“I’m going to try and film it for it to be like a type of documentary thing.”
The P7 from St Cadoc’s Primary will be cycling around 65 miles per day during the challenge and will be camping during the seven nights in different places.
Paul has arranged several meet-ups along the way with other cyclers.
Ten of his work colleagues from King Communications and Security LTD will meet up with the duo for the Perth to Glasgow section of the cycle.
Paul added: “Right now we’ve raised over £2000, and we’re aiming for £5000 and hoping to sort of ramp it up during the trip to try and raise as much money as possible.
“I know it’s a tough time for everyone with the cost of living, but even a wave on the road will help.
“We’ve already got the Alps planned for next year. Dom really wants to get into bikes and there are some great Scottish bikers, like Jenny Graham and Mark Beaumont."
Cycling legend Beaumont wished the duo good luck and told Lanarkshire Live: “I love hearing stories of people, especially children having the confidence to ride and explore off the back of my journeys, all strength to the young lad, he will inspire many more through his fantastic adventures.”
Dominic and his dad will travel to John O’Groats on Monday, July 25, and begin their cycling challenge the next day.
You can follow Dominic and Mark’s adventures here and can donate to their challenge here.
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