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 1 July 2025, world record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont will lead a 120-mile cycling challenge across the north-east of Scotland — and it’s all in aid of a life-changing cancer care initiative.
The event is part of the Kick the Ball campaign, which aims to raise £100,000 towards the launch of the SURE Unit (Swift Urological Response and Evaluation) at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Once established, the SURE Unit will dramatically reduce the time it takes to diagnose urological cancers — from as long as 12 weeks to potentially just one day.
The ride, backed by a team of 20 cyclists, including Fifth Ring's Ian Ord, will visit a host of football clubs taking part in the fundraiser. Participating teams include clubs from the Breedon Highland League, Aberdeenshire and District FA, SPFL sides including Aberdeen FC, and several junior clubs. Many of these clubs are also engaging their communities in static bike challenges, competing to see who can clock the furthest distance and raise the most support.
That evening, supporters will come together at Thainstone Mart for An Evening with Mark Beaumont — a fundraising dinner featuring stories from the cyclist’s legendary global adventures.
A mission grounded in personal experience
At the heart of this initiative are three north-east businessmen with a deeply personal connection to the cause: Mike Macaulay, Pat Machray, and Ian Ord, Fifth Ring’s founder. Mike and Pat have both been treated for prostate cancer, while Ian has battled both prostate and testicular cancer.
“We’ve all experienced the world-class care UCAN delivers,” said Mike Macaulay, chairman of Inverurie Locos. “That’s why we’re so committed to making this unit a reality.”
“None of us had symptoms,” added Ian. “That’s why early detection is so important. We’re urging everyone to get checked — and we’re asking individuals and businesses alike to help us reach the finish line.”
The campaign is supported by UCAN Aberdeen, in partnership with Friends of ANCHOR, and has received early backing from organisations including John Clark Motor Group and Aberdeen and Northern Marts.
Transforming patient care across Scotland
If fully funded, the SURE Unit will become the first of its kind in the UK. Patients facing suspected prostate, kidney, bladder, testicular or penile cancers will be able to access same-day testing and diagnosis, removing the need for multiple hospital visits and long waits between procedures.
“The waiting is the hardest part for patients,” said Dr Justine Royle, UCAN chair and consultant urologist. “The SURE Unit will allow us to do more, faster — giving patients answers sooner and easing a huge emotional burden.”
Fifth Ring is proud to support this campaign and help amplify the voices behind it.
How to get involved:
Donate to the campaign: https://www.justgiving.com/page/avril-mcleod-1
Ride with the team: Email ian@fifthring.com
Book tickets for the dinner: Email kicktheballUCAN@hotmail.com
