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Musicians inspired by deaf cyclist set off for Arctic Circle - Press & Journal
AN EPIC bike ride inspired by the amazing true story of a profoundly deaf north-east cyclist is under way.
In 1951, Cairnbulg factory worker James Duthie rode from his home, through Scandinavia and on to the frozen plains of the Arctic Circle.
Now, Glasgow musicians Alex South, 38, and Oliver Rundell, 32, are following in Mr Duthie’s tracks.
They are cycling from Glasgow to Gothenburg, on the west coast of Sweden, and crossing to the Arctic Circle, just north of Overtornea, on the Swedish-Finnish border. They will then pedal on to the North Cape in Norway — the northernmost point on mainland Europe.
The 1,500-mile journey, which will take around five weeks, aims to raise £5,000 to help pay for a new film about Mr Duthie’s life. The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) will also benefit.
Mr Duthie, who was deaf and could not speak, has developed a cult following since his long-lost journal, I Cycled Into The Arctic Circle, was discovered by Edinburgh film-maker Matt Hulse. Mr Hulse is preparing to start shooting a biopic later this year. His script for Dummy Jim – the nickname by which Mr Duthie was affectionately known – is based on the journal which the cyclist sold around Fraserburgh.
Yesterday, Mr South and Mr Rundell boarded the ferry in South Humberside, on their way to Sweden.
“James Duthie is a true inspiration and a remarkable character,” said Mr South.
“By setting out on a lone journey to the Arctic Circle, he challenged stereotypes which surrounded deafness back in the 1950s, which the NDCS continues to fight today.”
For details about the production – and to follow the Arctic Cycle’s progress – visit Dummy Jim
AN EPIC bike ride inspired by the amazing true story of a profoundly deaf north-east cyclist is under way.
In 1951, Cairnbulg factory worker James Duthie rode from his home, through Scandinavia and on to the frozen plains of the Arctic Circle.
Now, Glasgow musicians Alex South, 38, and Oliver Rundell, 32, are following in Mr Duthie’s tracks.
They are cycling from Glasgow to Gothenburg, on the west coast of Sweden, and crossing to the Arctic Circle, just north of Overtornea, on the Swedish-Finnish border. They will then pedal on to the North Cape in Norway — the northernmost point on mainland Europe.
The 1,500-mile journey, which will take around five weeks, aims to raise £5,000 to help pay for a new film about Mr Duthie’s life. The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) will also benefit.
Mr Duthie, who was deaf and could not speak, has developed a cult following since his long-lost journal, I Cycled Into The Arctic Circle, was discovered by Edinburgh film-maker Matt Hulse. Mr Hulse is preparing to start shooting a biopic later this year. His script for Dummy Jim – the nickname by which Mr Duthie was affectionately known – is based on the journal which the cyclist sold around Fraserburgh.
Yesterday, Mr South and Mr Rundell boarded the ferry in South Humberside, on their way to Sweden.
“James Duthie is a true inspiration and a remarkable character,” said Mr South.
“By setting out on a lone journey to the Arctic Circle, he challenged stereotypes which surrounded deafness back in the 1950s, which the NDCS continues to fight today.”
For details about the production – and to follow the Arctic Cycle’s progress – visit Dummy Jim