Ronnie Anderson (37), of Cale House, Millburn Road, has been sober for three months thanks to the support offered to him by Apex Scotland and Beechwood House.

And now he is taking part in the annual Apex Scotland Challenge, during which he will cover 169 miles by walking and cycling both the West Highland Way and the Great Glen way.

He said: "I went to Apex Scotland just to better myself and they said, 'Are you fit? Do you have a bike?' It's something to aim for, something to give me a focus but we are out there for everybody else."

He added: "It's a big deal for all of us taking part. We've all been through hard times. We've made mistakes in our lives, but it's not self pity we're after. I've been three months in recovery and it's a great feeling knowing I'm going to be free. My sobriety means the world to me."

The challenge, which takes place from August 18-22, is to mark the 20th anniversary of Apex Scotland, which helps ex-offenders, offenders and young people at risk progress towards employment, education or training, and there are over 40 staff and service users taking part.

All proceeds raised from sponsorship will be donated to the oncology department at Raigmore Hospital.

Alastair McDonald, the unit manager for the Inverness branch of Apex Scotland, said: "We talked to all the staff members and service users and in the last 12 months cancer had touched quite a lot of them. It was close to a lot of their hearts."

Cyclist Ronnie Anderson has turned his back on alcohol and is preparing for his charity challenge. Alasdair Allen

He added: "We're hoping to raise over £2,000. The individuals involved have been getting really good support from family and friends.

"We just want service users to be able to move on and set new challenges in their lives. It's about employability, and building confidence. We want them to be proud of what they have achieved. This event is a great opportunity for them to meet other like-minded people. By the end of the week there's a great sense of achievement."

Fiona Campbell, a MacMillian clinical nurse specialist in Raigmore's oncology department, said: "I was absolutely thrilled when I heard Apex Scotland had selected the oncology department. It's a phenomenal challenge, it's inspiring. All the money raised will be put to very good use."

She added: "We have a cancer general fund which we can use for appropriate things to improve the patients' lives.

"That's not the basic things you would expect from the NHS, but things like scalp cooling machines so that people don't lose their hair – they're not essential but they help what we do."

Anyone wishing to donate money can do so by getting in touch with Alistair McDonald on 01463 717033.

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