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LOCAL MAN RAISES OVER £2,600 FOR BEFRIEND A CHILD WITH CYCLE CHALLENGE

A North-east businessman has raised more than £2,600 for a local children’s charity after completing a gruelling cycle challenge.

Rod Leach, a Director with Spotless Commercial Cleaning, in Dyce, undertook a solo, 210 mile, single day trip from Mallaig to Aberdeen to raise the funds for Befriend A Child.

The 39-year-old, from Crudie, completed the journey in just over 13 hours and was greeted upon his return to Aberdeen with a welcome home party at the charity’s Bon Accord Square base.

Rod says he is delighted to have completed his challenge – the idea for which originated from a charity initiative to see how much he could turn an initial donation of £20 into.

Having spent his money on some new cycling shorts he then decided upon the route for his sponsored challenge which saw him travel from Mallaig to Aberdeen via Fort William, Aviemore, Newtonmore, Grantown-on-Spey, Strathdon and Alford.

Rod said: “I am fortunate that I consider myself to be fairly fit but there were still times during my trip when I was beginning to wonder what I had signed myself up for – particularly climbing up over the Lecht! However, I had some great support along the way and the thought of how much good the funds I have raised will do to help underprivileged children in Aberdeen helped me to push on and complete the challenge.

“I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me for their generosity and support. Knowing the work of Befriend A Child as I do I am certain their donations will be put to very good use.”

Karen Farquhar, Chief Executive at Befriend A Child, congratulated Rod on his achievement. She added: “It was a tremendous gesture from Rod to undertake such a difficult challenge for the benefit of Befriend A Child and we are so grateful to him – and everyone who sponsored him – for their support.”

Rod’s on-line sponsorship page is still open for donations. Please visit www.mycharitypage.com/RodLeach for further information.

Established in 1975, Befriend A Child is Scotland's oldest befriending service for disadvantaged children. Working with social workers, care homes, health visitors, and other charities, Befriend A Child supports children aged 4-16 and continues to work with them up until the age of 18, if required.

The scheme became a registered charity in 1991 and in 2010 worked with more than 170 children in Aberdeen City - its largest number to date.

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