Bikers to see the fruits of their fundraising in south-east Asia

A group of Tayside biking friends who have raised thousands of pounds for schools in Laos and Vietnam are preparing to hit the road to see first-hand the valuable work carried out by the charity they support.

Andy Blackie, from Eassie in Angus, has run a number of fundraisers for the Australiabased Platypus Charity which assists children and families in need.

Andy, 51, a building contractor, will be joined by Russell Davidson, a mechanical engineer from Friockheim; Bruce Elliot, a roofing contractor from Friockheim; Stephen Robertson, a mechanic from Forfar; and Dougie Wallace, a joiner/manufacturer from Kirriemuir.

They have been planning the trip for more than a year and will link up with a team of five bikers from Australia.

They will be led by Bruce’s brother Sandy who emigrated to Australia.

Andy said: “I come from a family of bikers – it is in my blood.

“I started to organise this last year as part of my 50th birthday.

“We are all taking part in the charity motorbike trip around Vietnam and Laos to see where funds are being used.

“This includes visiting villages and schools where children have been sponsored.

“We have raised about £2,500 each and will be able to see how the money is being used to help with their education.

“We will be visiting some remote areas, travelling along dirt tracks, with a couple of support vehicles, and have been asked to take our kilts.”

The team will leave in November.