Fundraiser completes NC500 in less than 24 hours

An Inverness man has raised more than £700 for charity after completing the NC500 in less than 24 hours.

George Maciver pledged to complete the scenic 500-mile route earlier this month aboard a 40-yearold Honda moped dressed as a bear as part of his latest endurance challenge.

The 55-year-old completed the feat alongside fellow rider Lenny Cameron in 15 hours in the hope of raising his £500 target in aid of the Highland Hospice.

Despite a rocky start, he said the pair had thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.

He said: “The challenge was good fun. The day started with a car reversing into Lenny Cameron’s scooter and knocking it over, but apart from that it was really nice. The people we met on the challenge were really nice and we got a lot of waves and smiles.

“I found the most challenging part of the run was from John o’ Groats to Inverness. We left Inverness Castle at 10.45am and arrived in John O’Groats at about 10.45pm, so after 12 hours on the moped it was pretty uncomfortable. It was dark and cold and we were both tired but we arrived back at the castle at 2am.”

Mr Maciver began raising cash for the Highland-based charity in memory of his brother and his best friend who both came to depend on their support.

He has since raised more than £10,000 for the cause.

Having smashed their initial target – by raising a whopping £750.34 - the dedicated fundraiser is beginning to look ahead to his next challenge.

He added: “Thanks to all the generous people that donated to the Highland Hospice. We now need to think about where and what the bear will do for next year’s Hospice challenge.”

Taking to social media, members of the Highland Hospice commended him for his efforts.

A spokesman said: “Well done to George Maciver, who has completed a marathon 24-hour motorbike journey to raise funds for the Highland Hospice.

“We’re incredibly grateful to George for being such a fantastic supporter of the Highland Hospice. Your fundraising will help us to provide our patients with the very best in endof-life care.”