Two Aberdeen friends have raised £7,950 for local children’s charity Charlie House after cycling more than 900 miles from Aberdeen to Paris in just 14 days.
Local best friends Katy Townhill, 37, and Sarah McKechnie, 35, put pause on their busy lives to take on their challenge. They set off from Charlie House HQ in Aberdeen and cycled through the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium, before reaching France to cross their Eiffel Tower finish line.
The challenge was inspired by Katy’s niece Lucy and nephew Roy, who both live with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3, a rare degenerative condition.
“Charlie House has been a huge part of our family’s life since 2018, supporting us through activities, holidays, and practical help,” said Katy. “Sarah and I wanted to give something back while also highlighting the journeys families like mine must take for vital care.”
Katy and Sarah at Charlie House HQ in Aberdeen before departing on their 14-day cycle to Paris L–R: Katy Townhill, Sarah McKechnie
The pair had only taken up cycling casually last year, each buying their first road bike at the end of 2024 before their full training routine got underway. What started as a wild idea inspired from watching Tour de France soon turned into months of training and planning.
Katie Bremner, Community and Events Fundraiser at Charlie House, said about their challenge: “We’re always delighted when members of the community come forward with fundraising ideas, each telling a unique story behind what motivated them to plan and take on their challenge.
“For Katy and Sarah to go from casual cyclists at the beginning of the year to completing a 900-mile journey across the UK and Europe in just 14 days is just remarkable.
“Their determination has not only raised an amazing amount of funds but also awareness for families we support who often face 200-mile round trips from Aberdeen to the Central Belt of Scotland to access essential treatment and specialist respite care.”
Paris Cycling Duo Sarah and Katy with their bikes while on the road to Paris L–R: Sarah McKechnie, Katy Townhill
Commenting on her experience, Sarah said: “There were moments that were really tough, like cycling through heavy rain, windy stretches and bumpy roads, but it was so worth it. Being on bikes meant we saw so much beautiful scenery and we met such interesting people along the way.
“One of my highlights was finally seeing the windmills in Holland. I had only ever seen them in pictures before, so getting to see those felt really special.
“Crossing the finish line and seeing the kids after such a long journey is something I’ll never forget. It was the perfect ending to an amazing challenge.”
Katy added: “We knew our families would be there in Paris, but we didn’t realise how special their welcome would be. The kids had created colourful posters filled with messages and drawings, and they were waving and cheering as we arrived at the Eiffel Tower.
“It meant the world to see them there celebrating with us as we reached our goal. It was such an emotional ending to the journey.”
Paris Cycling Duo Sarah and Katy lift their bikes in celebration at the Eiffel Tower L–R: Sarah McKechnie, Katy Townhill
Just two days later, the pair rounded off their adventure by watching the Tour de France live in Paris. It was a full-circle moment, as the idea for their challenge had first sparked while they were watching the race together back home.
Katie Bremner, Community and Events Fundraiser at Charlie House, added: “The incredible total raised by Katy and Sarah will go directly towards our services, from inclusive family activities and short breaks that helps families create precious memories together to practical and emotional support.
“We are so thankful for their efforts and the awareness they have brought to the importance of supporting children with life-limiting conditions here in the North-east.”
Charlie House supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, providing practical and emotional support as well as inclusive activities for the whole family. The charity is also working to build a specialist care facility in Aberdeen.
To find out more or to start your own fundraising for Charlie House, visit:
https://www.charliehouse.org.uk/support-us/raise-funds
Relive the adventure with Katy and Sarah through updates posted on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568925805877