The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Cycling pals raise thousands on ride
Cycling friends have racked up the miles and cash for good causes with a successful Edinburgh to Angus pedal.
In a tribute to the figure who remains in her thoughts every day, Claire Penman from Carnoustie used fond memories of her father to power her on the 78-mile journey from the capital with Carnoustie Boys’ Brigade captain Neil Russell.
They have been delighted by the response to the challenge, with Claire set to split just under £4,400 between the British Heart Foundation and Carnoustie Church.
Her father, Alex, passed away just over six years ago at the age of 78 after a heart attack.
The company secretary at Montrose Golf Links, Claire tackled a London to Paris charity cycle a decade ago and decided to take on the latest venture in memory of her dad after getting back in the saddle during lockdown.
Claire, 37, said: “It was a beautiful clear day when we undertook the cycle.
“We started from the Scott Monument at 7.45am, albeit a bit cold to start with, but it did warm up after we got across the Forth Road Bridge.
“Cycling into Carnoustie Golf Hotel with people cheering and clapping was a brilliant feeling, even more so having my mum present at the finish.”
She added: “I’m a competitive golfer, so I wanted to link the golf into this at the finish, too.”
After a brief halt there, she pedalled the final couple of miles to her ultimate destination of her father’s grave at Shanwell cemetery in Carnoustie.
“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my dad,” said Claire.
“His sudden passing left a huge void in my life – it doesn’t seem like six years ago that we lost him.
“After getting back in the saddle during lockdown, I thought this would be a perfect way to remember my dad and raise funds for two worthy causes and I have been overwhelmed by the donations given.”
Neil, who was raising funds for the hall fund of the 1st Carnoustie Boys’ Brigade Company and Girls’ Association, has raised more than £2,800 through his effort – passing the £2,500 target he had set for himself.
I wanted to link the golf into this