Bank’s pedal power raises cash for charity
Hard-working workers at the Bank of Scotland in Perth carried out a crossborder challenge without leaving their branch.
Staff at the King Edward Street financial hub spent Friday last week on a static bike, riding 150 miles - the equivalent of Perth to Carlisle - to raise money for PKAVS, who are their charity partner for the year.
They racked up a total of £256.37 but are now hopeful the figure could be doubled thanks to match funding - which will see the final total raised to £512.74.
The team kept a chart on the wall of the bank to mark off pit stops on their virtual journey at Gleneagles, Dunblane, Stirling services, Bothwell services, Abington services, Annandale Water and Gretna Inn on their way to Carlisle.
Bank manager Jacqui Boyle said: “We like to support local charities like PKAVS.
“This is the first time we have done something like this and we thought we could help out and raise awareness of what PKAVS do.
“We approached them and said we would try to raise money for the charity, and [PKAVS’] Graham came up with the idea of cycling. The bank will also match whatever we raise, which is amazing.”
Jacqui added the branch is planning to do a lot more with PKAVS over the next year: “PKAVS is the Bank of Scotland charity partner for the coming year, so we are hoping to do more with them, especially around Christmas.”
Graham Illsley from PKAVS popped in when the cyclists had reached the equivalent of Bothwell Services, to see how they were getting on.
He said: “I am really pleased. This is a great location where we can get our message out. PKAVS serves over 5000 people in the local community and the more people know about us, the more support we can offer.
“People have been coming in interested in the volunteering leaflets all day.
“PKAVS have over 100 regular volunteers, and they are very important because they all want to continue the good work of PKAVS.
“This has been a fantastic opportunity for us.”
The staff at the Bank of Scotland are now looking forward to taking part in PKAVS’s Muddy Colour Mayhem Run on Saturday, June 3. Graham Illsley, PKAVS marketing and development officer, with Bank of Scotland staff Lauren Holmes, Alison Barrie, Hannah Rooney, manager Jacqui Boyle and Geraldine Dewar