Peter uses his pedal power to say thank you to air ambulance charity
An Etape Caledonia cyclist has saluted the work of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) by raising money for the charity as part of his 2021 sportive.
Peter Reid (37) took part in the Highland Perthshire event last Sunday and so far has raised £270 “just from folk at work”.
The engineer, who works in the oil and gas industry for Apache, says his total is likely to grow as he has yet to ask his family to chip in to his fundraising.
Peter had a bike accident in May while out cycling near Banchory with a friend.
He was cycling on a training ride when a car cut across him, knocking him off his bike.
He‘shoulder-barged’the car when it turned suddenly and blocked his path, breaking his collarbone.
With worries about a possible head injury, it was decided he needed to be airlifted to hospital.
Entering the Etape was a great joy to him considering he has recovered from a broken collarbone.
“It was great to get back on my bike so soon after my accident and raise some money for SCAA for their support getting me to hospital quickly,”said Peter following a great day at the Etape on Sunday.
“I was very lucky to have only broken my collarbone, it could have easily have been a lot worse.
“A split second earlier and I would have been over the bonnet and potentially looking at back or head injuries.
“The crew made me very comfortable and in good humour getting me to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“It is great to know that when road bike accidents occur, SCAA medics can be on site so quickly to potentially save lives.
“Road cyclists are very vulnerable and it only takes a moment lapse in concentration from a driver to have serious consequences.”
Peter showed his gratitude by signing up to Etape, taking one of the charity places to raise funds for SCAA.
He got round the course in three hours and forty-one minutes.
“It was tough towards the end,” he said.
“I’d got up at 4am to drive to Pitlochry.
“I was pleased to finish. It’s not so long since my accident.
“I was cold and wet after I stopped moving, but the Etape Caledonia village was impressive and welcoming.”