The highland town of Fort William is abuzz with talk of a community sporting contest geared towards giving people of all abilities the opportunity to experience what it takes to compete in a duathlon.

Innovative in its own right, what makes The Sharon Fraser Gallop And Grind a particularly special event is that it has been organised by a 40-year-old woman whose own capacity to take part is severely limited.

Sharon would have been forgiven by everyone for taking no further part even in its planning when, seven weeks ago, she received the cruellest of news as doctors told her they could do no more to help her fight the cancer that has been aggressively attacking her for the past two years.

While nothing could have been more devastating for the mother of four young boys, the response of the former sports development officer was remarkable.

"It was a dreadful blow to be given such a prognosis, but my determination to make Gallop And Grind a success has only been enhanced as a result," she said. "It brings me some comfort to know my experience hasn't been in vain."

That personal experience within the NHS in the Highlands meant she discovered very early on - after an extremely bad reaction to initial chemotherapy meant she was admitted to hospital for a protracted period - that facilities available to cancer sufferers are at the other end of the spectrum from the quality of the people seeking to help them.

"My awareness of the standard of care was heightened significantly," Sharon explained. "The NHS staff are so supportive, passionate and committed, however relying on NHS budgets makes it very challenging for them as well as their patients. Through discussion with them over a long period of time, we realised that improved leisure areas could make a huge difference."

That includes providing accommodation for relatives visiting those confined to Belford Hospital in Fort William and the oncology department at Raigmore in Inverness, as well as creating places such as TV rooms in which patients and visitors can escape from wards.

While Sharon stresses that she has nothing but respect for the national cancer charities, she felt there was scope to use her expertise to make a difference by raising funds specifically ring-fenced for the purpose of building those improved facilities. "I've got a huge interest in promoting physical activity so wanted it to be a major local fitness event which would channel money into our area," she said. "I think that is why it has captured the imagination. Everyone is talking about it and we expect that many people are simply going to wait until nearer the time to decide what category they will enter."

The concept of Gallop And Grind was finalised after a long evening's discussion over a glass of wine or two with old friend Frazer Coupland of No Fuss Events, who have agreed to run the event which incorporates a 3.5-mile run, climbing around 900 feet in all over fairly challenging terrain, and a 9.5-mile bike ride.

Entry fees - free for juniors but £12 for all others in a full range of categories from elite duathlon to walk only - will cover the running costs. Entries must be registered in advance, however - most easily online at www.nofussevents.co.uk - and all participants are being asked to raise sponsorship, every penny of which will be directed towards the newly formed Highland Cancer Care charity.

Sharon's initial target is £40,000, but the aim is that this will become an annual event. "If that was to happen it would be wonderful because then it will become a real legacy," she said poignantly.

Husband Alasdair has led the way, showing his competitive streak as he throws himself into training.

"He has entered in the sports category, but the cut-off point for the elite event is that we have told people they should be able to cover the course in one hour 40 minutes. He went over the course on a practise run the other day in one hour 35 minutes, so I think I'll be switching his category," laughed Sharon (pronounced Shaeron, the Gaelic way, incidentally).

Alasdair will be joined in contesting the full event by the oldest of their boys, 12-year-old Callum, while Sharon plans to accompany seven-year-old Fergus and four-year-old twins Finlay and Cameron in taking part in the closing stages of the cycle.

Anyone else who gets to Fort William on September 27 is invited to join them. What promises to be a wonderful day out for a magnificent cause will conclude with a prizegiving ceilidh in the Nevis Centre.

I will be participating in a duathlon for the first time and anyone interested in supporting the event can sponsor my participation. I can be contacted via the email address below, or c/o Sports Desk, The Herald, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, making any cheques payable to Highland Cancer Care.