City’s pedal power brings in £50k
Whopping total raised at charity cycling event
Almost 300 keen cyclists raised a bumper five-figure sum for charity through the weekend’s Pedal for Parkinson’s event.
Parkinson’s UK will benefit to the tune of more than £50,000 after superfit fundraisers came out in force to support the ride.
Riders saddled up at Stirling High School before setting off on either a 23, 34 or 51-mile ride around the Stirling area and returning to the adulation of cheering crowds.
Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings gave riders a rousing sendoff as official starter and unofficial motivator-in-chief at the event.
And he said: “I am delighted that Pedal Stirling is going from strength to strength with so many people taking part and raising so much money for Parkinson’s UK.
“People are so giving of their time and energy in raising awareness of the charity as well as achieving record amounts of sponsorship.
“I know the charity is rightly proud of its supporters and I’d like to give my thanks too for their fantastic efforts.”
Pedal for Parkinson’s aims to raise cash for Parkinson’s research and support – and they received a £40,000 boost this year when staff and customers at 55 Marks and Spencer stores across Scotland pledged their support.
Denise McNiven, Scotland and Northern Ireland fundraising manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Thanks and well done to everyone involved in making the Stirling Pedal for Parkinson’s such a huge success.
“We are thrilled to have had an opportunity to partner with M&S in Scotland and are delighted with the amount raised.
“This fabulous effort by M&S employees and customers goes a long way towards our target and will make a huge difference to our work in supporting those affected by Parkinson’s.”
The annual Stirling Festival of Cycling was also taking part at Stirling High School on Sunday – with a host of activities for all the family on offer.
Topping the bill were The Clan – Scotland’s cycle stunt team – who impressed the crowd with their showcase of tricks, flips and drops.
There was also face painting and a bouncy castle along with different stalls and sessions for those in attendance. Youngsters enjoyed testing out ebikes and trying their luck on a feature track.
Chris James, community cycling officer at Stirling Cycle Hub, one of the event organisers, said: “The Festival of Cycling 2017 was a great success. We were really pleased to see so many people getting involved, from the Pedal for Parkinson’s riders after finishing their challenge to young families arriving with their kids’ bikes in tow.
“There was a really positive atmosphere throughout the day and the occasional rain showers did nothing to dampen our spirits. I was delighted to see the non-stop flow of kids of all ages riding round our two feature tracks all day and seeing their eyes light up while watching The Clan.
“From speaking to people on the day, I am confident that we have inspired and educated people on the benefits of cycling, some of the different types of bikes available and some of the great cycling groups and businesses we have in the area.
“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in this year’s festival – our partners Pedal for Parkinson’s, our wonderful stall holders, local food providers and everyone who came along on the day.’’