Charity champs clock up miles for hospice
A pair of charity champions saddled up and took part in a gruelling 12-hour cycle that raised £2470.
Teenage pals Liam Mckendrick, of Hamilton, and John Paul Doyle, of Blantyre, completed the ambitious feat in aid of Lanarkshire-based charity St Andrew’s Hospice.
The 17-year-olds began their mammoth feat in Airdrie at the hospice, mapping out a route from there to Strathclyde Park, where they circled the loch for the remainder of the 12 hours – clocking up 140 miles each.
John Paul, an apprentice with Mcgregor Flooring, explained:“we chose St Andrew’s Hospice yet again because we have been raising money for them since our early years in primary school.
“We are really just inspired by the work the hospice does for end-of-life patients and their families, and we have always had a strong connection with them.
“I’m overwhelmed with the support we got again this year.
“I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored us, especially Macgregor Flooring and St Joseph’s Parish Church, Blantyre.
“This year was particularly very special for me as it marked hitting the £5000 total in just two years.
“I am looking forward to planning ahead for next year.
“Hopefully it can be something even bigger and better, and we can get a lot more people involved.”
Last year John Paul raised over £2500 for the hospice after organising and taking part in a 12-hour football match.
The former St John Ogilvie High School pupil called on friends, family and even one of his teachers to take part in the event, which was held at the Palace Grounds Hamilton between 9am and 9pm and finished with a 133-68 scoreline, raising a total of £2503.25.
A spokesperson for St Andrew’s Hospice was delighted with the effort the youngsters put in to raises much needed cash for a good cause and said: “Well done guys, fantastic effort!
“Thank you for your dedication and support.”
St Andrew’s Hospice is based in Airdrie, but serves the whole of Lanarkshire.
We chose St Andrew’s Hospice ‘cos we have been raising money for them since primary John Paul Doyle