A CARDROSS surgeon has completed a gruelling charity cycle around the Clyde, raising money to help train surgeons from Malawi.

Professor David Galloway, consultant surgeon and president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, undertook the 51-mile five-ferry challenge around North Kintyre and the Firth of Clyde on Saturday, September 3, to help meet a £50,000 fundraising target.

Along with 16 senior clinicians from the college, David took the ferries from Ardrossan to Brodick, Lochranza to Claonaig, Tarbert to Portavadie, Colintraive to Rhubodach and Rothesay to Wemyss Bay, cycling the roads in between.

He hopes the and his colleagues’ efforts will encourage people to donate to the fund, which will be used to deliver one-year medical training placements in Scotland to trainee surgeons from Malawi.

Prof Galloway said: “It’s extremely important that safe and effective access to healthcare is available to people in the developing world.

“More than five billion people in low and middle-income countries do not have access to safe and affordable care, and we hope that by delivering surgical skills and opportunities for Malawi-based trainees to gain experience in the UK, we can make a positive impact.”

Reflecting on last week’s on Saturday’s marathon ride, he said: “The whole event was a terrific experience. It was good to spend time with colleagues in a completely different environment.

“There was plenty of chat when the cycling was easy but there were loads of steep hills, requiring concentrated effort, so the conversation dried up at these stages. Just getting enough oxygen on board was the priority.

“We are all delighted with the support and response, which has surpassed our expectations. Thinking about the next project now…”

Two female Malawian trainee surgeons, Takondwa Itaye-kamangira and Wone Banda, are currently spending time in Scotland thanks to funding from the Royal College, and have spoken about the benefits of the training they’ve received.

Wone, who specialises in reconstructive plastic surgery, said: “I’ve been able to gain vital experience working in Glasgow.

“In Malawi there is a shortage of beds and a shortage of surgeons. My dream is to go home and set up a dedicated plastic surgery unit.

“My time in Scotland is nearly at an end but it’s good to know that other students from my country will have the opportunity to train here in the future.”

To find out more and to donate to the fund, go to: www.justgivi ng.com/rcps-glasgow/donate