A WEST FIFE man has taken on a mammoth challenge after his stepmum's life was turned upside down since she was bitten by a tick more than eight years ago.

Angus Walker has been cycling weekdays and weekends to mark his 40th year and is just about three quarters through his target 4,040km distance, which he hopes to complete in September.

It's all to raise awareness of, and cash to help treat, Lyme Disease and the other nasty bacterial infections which can be caused by tick bites.

Since she was bitten, Angus' stepmum, Sarah, has suffered ongoing pain, muscular and neurological symptoms which have had a significant impact on her normally active lifestyle.

Angus, who grew up in Limekilns and now lives in South Lanarkshire, said: "Sarah was walking in the New Forest in Southampton which is a hotbed for ticks.

"That was eight years ago and it's been really quite debilitating. Before, she was keen on running and walking, but since she been affected, she has basically become restricted to her house.

"Her joints ache so it makes walking any distance impossible. She also feels quite fatigued most of the time.

"It really is a nasty infection to pick up."

Sarah took antibiotics after her tick bite but they did not clear the infection fully and she has been left with symptoms ever since.

"The majority of people will be cleared by the antibiotics but there are about 10/20 per cent who can develop long-term symptoms," Angus added.

"It's so hard to see a family member being so badly affected by a medical condition that is so difficult to treat and feeling like there's nothing you can do to help.

"That's why I came up with the idea to support the Lyme Resource Centre with my #TickOff4040Challenge.

"The charity tells the public how to look out for ticks, how to remove them, what to do if you get symptoms and is trying to get the medical field to recognise the long-term effects."

Angus' challenge has mostly been made up of solo rides but he is also taking part in some organised events, such as the Tour O The Borders Sportive.

This weekend, he will be doing a 100-mile cycle from Glasgow to Cumbria – the most he's every done in one go.

He added: "4040km will be significantly further than I've ridden before. I've always enjoyed cycling but decided a few years ago that I wanted to get into road cycling in a more serious way. It's a great way to keep active and I love exploring Scotland by bike.

"My first trip back to Fife visiting family after the 2021 lockdown was by bike!"

To donate to Angus' challenge, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/angus-tickoff4040-challenge