Andy’s epic cycle raises £4k for kids
Three weeks on a bike brings in huge total for Ukrainians
C r i e f f ’ s An d y Gallagher has raised more than £ 4,000 to help Ukrainian children with his unsupported cycle from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.
The army veteran decided to take on the challenge to raise money for Save the Children’s Ukraine fund, having previously witnessed the suffering of children in war zones in his role with the Royal Army Medical Corps.
The 62- year- old set off from Land’s End on March 22, and finally reached his destination three weeks later.
It wasn’t an easy trip for Andy who doesn’t have much experience on a road bike and he had a few mishaps along the way, including mild hypothermia, a few falls off the bike and having to take some unexpected detours.
He was pleased when he reached Crieff for a muchneeded rest day and a bike tune up at Comrie Croft, but then it was back in the saddle for the final part of the journey.
Andy had the company of two fellow Strathearn Harriers and another friend who kept him going through the persistent rain over Amulree to Pitlochry and then he was on his own again for the last leg.
Wife Rachel said: “Drumochter went better than expected but then it was a long haul to a campsite just south of Aviemore. He was glad to have his sleeping bag this time round as it snowed that night. It continued to blizzard over Slochd and he had a miserable descent all the way into Inverness.
“At least this was training for the next few days which consisted of icy northerly headwinds which brought regular snow showers and forced him into pushing the bike on the flat on occasions.”
Andy had to take regular stops to warm up, which
became fewer and far between the further north he went. His favourite was a cafe where he spotted a familiar sight in the form of a Crieff Cowch outside the Strathearn Community Hub at Tomatin.
Rachel cont i nued: “Fortunately no further camps were required, although we had to work quite hard to find accommodation.
“The train south departs from Thurso so it made sense to spend two nights there so that he could do the final day as a round trip of 40 miles without panniers. However, the wind was cruel and went round into the east so he had to cycle against that along the north coast. He was blown over twice and seriously began to doubt he would make it.
“He says John O’ Groats is far more ‘developed’ from a tourist point of view than when we were there 17 years ago - lots of white campervans and a great cafe.
“It just seems bizarre that with all these tourists there should be so little open for them along the coast - maybe it is still too early in the season or maybe Covid has meant many have just not opened their doors again.
“He was not relishing the cycle back to Thurso - so tackled the bus driver who told him they don’t take bikes saying ‘I’ve just cycled 1000 miles - what about if I take the bike to bits?’ There was a big grin of approval on all sides.
“He has really enjoyed his journey but the last week was particularly tough.
“Andy and I have really appreciated all the messages of support from friends, family and the local community as this has helped to keep him going.
“He is now looking forward to a bit of a rest and some home-cooked food.”
The wind was cruel...he was blown over twice and seriously began to doubt he would make it Wife Rachel