On their bikes to help charity

Quartet will cycle 180 miles across Scotland

A game group of friends from Paisley are getting on their bikes to take part in a weekend-long fundraiser that will help challenge dementia.

They will take part in a gruelling 180-mile cycle across Grampian and the Highlands.

And the friends will saddle up to take part in the event to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland. More than £1,600 has already been pledged by sponsors.

Stephen Nixon, Chris Kerr, Alex Lowes and Iain Stephenson have all been undertaking regular training sessions to prepare both mentally and physically for the demanding adventure that lies ahead in Ride the North.

Supporting the friends in their training has been neighbour and friend Ricardo Pallisco, from Cycle Training Scotland.

He has donated his time to fully service the team’s road bikes ahead of the challenge this weekend.

Team leader Stephen, who was born and bred in Paisley, said: “Inspired by Alzheimer Scotland’s challenge dementia campaign earlier this year, I decided to sign up to a cycle challenge with my good mates to help raise money and awareness for the charity.

“We’ve all taken part in smaller challenge rides, but this is the first time we’ve take part in an organised ride for charity over a full weekend.

“My grandad was diagnosed with vascular dementia and sadly passed away six years ago, so I know first-hand how this terrible illness can affect families. With nearly 200 miles to cover, we’ve all been training hard over the last several months and at this stage we’re all looking forward to getting on the road for a great cause that supports people living with dementia and their families.”

Lifelong friend and team mate for the cycle challenge Iain added: “We’re all really looking forward now to two big days on the bike.

“A sense of fun, adventure and friendship is going to get us through the near 200 miles as well as the sense of honour that our little bit of discomfort can go some way to helping others in greater need. We’re all also hoping for tailwinds aplenty.”

Andrew Love from Alzheimer Scotland said it will be a real physical and mental test for the team.

He added: “With around 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, it is our biggest health and social care challenge and it isn’t going to go away. We’re so grateful to the group of friends for challenging themselves for dementia and to everyone who has donated money so far.”

 If you would like to make a donation to the team of friends visit https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ridethenorthbank

If you have any questions about dementia or the services available in Paisley call Alzheimer Scotland’s on 0808 808 3000.