Over £7000 was raised at a record breaking 15th Glen Moray cycle and sportive event for a charity that supports people across the North-east with visual impairments or deafness.
206 cyclists took part in the cycle challenge, supported by Moray Council, on Sunday 21st June, which saw participants either tackle 10 mile, 25 mile or 75 mile cycle routes, commencing at the Glen Moray Distillery, sponsor of the event.
The cycle event looks set to smash last year’s total raised, which was £6,673 and all the money will go to North East Sensory Services (NESS).
Meanwhile, taking part in the cycle challenge was former digger driver Bruce Cruickshank, who first benefited from the support of NESS after losing his vision to type 1 diabetes in 2010.
To help raise awareness for the charity, Bruce, 32, did a tandem cycle ride with volunteer for NESS, Sandy Comfort and the pair completed the 25-mile cycle on the day.
Bruce, who raised over £1,200 in sponsorship, was supported by a host of family and friends, who cheered him over the finish line.
He said: “It was a really great day and a great atmosphere. Everyone was in good spirits and it was great to see so many people taking part in the event.
“There was a couple of sudden hills that took me by surprise, but we managed to do it in two and a half hours, so I’m delighted by that.
“And it was also perfect conditions for cycling, there was a cool breeze and only a spot of rain at a couple of points towards the end, but we can’t complain!”
Neil Skene, fundraising coordinator for NESS said a big thanks must go to Glen Moray Distillery who are “excellent sponsors” of the event.
He said: “A big thanks must go to Glen Moray Distillery manager, Graham Coull and his team, who are excellent supporters of the event and who without, it could not go ahead. We are very grateful for their continued support.”
He added: “We are delighted by how the event went. We haven’t got a final total just yet as the money is still coming and being counted, but at the moment the total is sitting around £7500, which is just brilliant. A big well done to everyone who took part.”
Mr Comfort, 63, added: “It was a great event and Bruce and I were pleased with our time too.”
NESS would like to thank sponsors Keith Tesco, Community Food Moray, Walkers Shortbread and Glen Moray Distillery for their hospitality.