One world-record-breaking cyclist? Check.
Highland League and Aberdeenshire FA clubs on board? Check.
Three driven north-east businessmen with a shared mission? Absolutely.
A cause with the power to save lives? Without a doubt.
On July 1, world-famous cyclist Mark Beaumont will lead a team of riders on a 120-mile cycling challenge across the north-east. Their mission? To rally support and raise vital funds for game-changing cancer care in Aberdeen that will revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of urological cancers.
The Kick the Ball fundraiser will see a team of 20 cyclists' ride to a range of football clubs supporting the initiative. Backing the cause are clubs from the Breedon Highland League including Deveronvale FC, Keith, Turriff United, and Inverurie Loco Works; clubs from the Aberdeenshire and District FA; SPFL teams including Aberdeen, as well as a number of junior sides. As part of the challenge, participating teams will go head-to-head in a static bike competition to see who can clock the greatest distance.
Mike Macaulay, Pat Machray and Ian Ord
That evening, supporters will gather at Thainstone Mart for ‘An Evening with Mark Beaumont’ dinner, where attendees will hear first-hand stories from the athlete’s legendary cycling adventures. The end goal is to raise £100,000 which will help UCAN Aberdeen, backed by Friends of ANCHOR, secure £2.5 million to launch the SURE Unit (Swift Urological Response and Evaluation) at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
This reimagined facility – which will be the first of its kind in the UK – will provide same-day testing and diagnosis for a range of urological cancers, including bladder, kidney, prostate, testicular, and penile. Currently, patients can wait 12 weeks or more for a confirmed diagnosis; the SURE Unit aims to eliminate that wait, delivering fast, streamlined care that reduces anxiety and fast-tracks treatment for improved patient outcomes.
At the heart of the fundraiser are three passionate north-east businessmen: Mike Macaulay, Pat Machray, and Ian Ord. For them, this cause is deeply personal. Both Mr Macaulay and Mr Machray have battled prostate cancer, while Mr Ord has faced both prostate and testicular cancer.
“We’ve all experienced the world-class care that UCAN delivers. That’s why we’re so committed to making this unit a reality,” said Mr Macaulay, chairman of Inverurie Locos.
“Every club we approached for support said yes – an incredible show of solidarity. We’re also hoping clubs involve their communities as much as they can. Football clubs are a big part of the community, and this is an important initiative for every community in the region.”
This ride isn’t just about fundraising – it’s also about raising awareness. Urological cancers affect both men and women, and early diagnosis is critical.
“None of us had symptoms,” added Mr Ord. “That’s why we’re urging everyone to get checked. Early detection can make all the difference.
“We’re incredibly thankful for the backing of organisations like John Clark Motor Group and Aberdeen and Northern Marts. But we still need more financial support - whether from individuals or businesses - to cross the finish line.
“Some of us are giving back. Others may be paying it forward for care a loved one might one day need.”
UCAN hopes to have the SURE Unit operational by 2026. Dr Justine Royle, UCAN chairwoman and consultant urologist, explained: “At the moment, the diagnostic process for urological cancers takes longer than we would like and patients must attend multiple consultations. Take prostate cancer as an example; they might come for an MRI scan one day, a biopsy a couple of weeks later and then a consultation and other tests weeks after that.
“If we can get rid of at least a couple of those – for example, having your MRI, biopsy and a consultation on the same day – that’s a real benefit.
“One of the things patients will tell you is that the most anxiety-provoking thing is the waiting to find out. If we can shorten that process, then that anxiety will be reduced. We want to get the patient where they need to be much faster that we’re currently able to do.”