A group of hardy cyclists have completed a three-day charity ride from Ayr to Aberdeen.
Four North-east charities have been selected to benefit from money raised by bp’s Coast 2 Coast cyclists this year. They are Aberdeenshire North Foodbank, AberNecessities, Camphill School Aberdeen and Maggie’s.
Coast 2 Coast has raised around £1.8million for local charities since its inaugural ride across Scotland in 2008. Now in its 13th year, the riders aim to hit the £2million total fundraising milestone by the time they return.
The 2022 team comprises 65 current and former staff who took part in months of training to prepare for the 250-mile bike ride.
bp geophysicist Nandini Nagra is part of the Coast 2 Coast organising committee.
She said:“Coast 2 Coast goes from strength to strength as we close in on that £2million fundraising milestone. This is testament to the grit and determination of bp colleagues, past and present, who have put in the hard miles over the years. This year will be no different with about 33,000 feet of climbing across three days.
“We’re grateful to all who have encouraged us along the way and who have supported our four fantastic chosen charities through their generous donations. Knowing that our efforts are helping such worthy causes makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Each cyclist has a fundraising target of £1,000 with participants able to nominate a charity to benefit from the amount raised. All fundraising money raised by bp employees is matched by the bp Foundation – doubling the value of any contributions.
Cyclists were be met with a celebration hosted by Camphill Schools Aberdeen on their return to Aberdeen on Sunday.
Sustainable development and social enterprise lead at Camphill, Nicolas Nino-Ramirez, said: “The money they raise will be used to buy an electric cargo van for our new social enterprise Murtle Market which is part of our ambitious £10million capital fundraising campaign, ensuring even more children and young people with complex support needs can access our services.”
Danielle Flecher-Horn, founder of AberNecessities, which provides disadvantaged families in the city with essential and basic needs, said: “We feel honoured that AberNecessities was chosen by bp’s Coast 2 Coast riders. It’s such an incredible challenge and we love to see people embracing their hobbies and interest for so many great causes.
“The support we provide has become more important than ever to so many families across our city and the shire; the funds raised will truly make the biggest difference to babies, children and young adults living across the North-East of Scotland.
Aberdeenshire North’s foodbank manager, Debbie Rennie explained how important the fundraising is for the charity.
“Through the pandemic we saw an almost 50% increase of people in need of emergency food,” she said. “We provided over 8000 food parcels in 2021 and 2022 is sadly proving to be just as busy. We have the start of the cost-of-living crisis impacting people's budgets and in autumn and winter this is when it is anticipated further pressures will be evident.
“Funds raised through this amazing effort will go towards supporting our five foodbank centres and two warehouses and our small staff team who support our fantastic team of 80 volunteers. Funds will also go towards purchasing food to be issued in parcels.
Maggie’s centre fundraising manager, Richard Stewart described gifts such as this as a blessing. He said: “The main thing financial support goes toward is the day to day running costs of the centre. It costs £12,000 to keep Maggie’s running for one week, that’s around £2,400 per day. Money raised from the Coast 2 Coast cycle in previous years has been enough to fund two to three weeks of support at the centre.”
To sponsor cyclists taking part in the challenge, you can select your preferred cause and click the link below.