The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Biker’ s epic 1,700-mile ride
Inverness motorcyclist George Maciver, who has gone the extra mile in aid of a hospice, is one of this week’s Charity Champions.
Our weekly round-up of individual efforts and fundraising activities happening around the north and north-east also includes an Aberdeen businessman cycling 300 miles to support cancer patients and a Scottish charity hosting a sponsored walk in aid of blind and partially sighted people.
Mr Maciver battled torrential rain to complete a 1,700-mile journey in less than 48 hours in aid of Highland Hospice.
The 59-year-old has been a long-standing supporter of the hospice following the death of his brother, Shane, and best friend Alan Mackenzie to cancer.
Over the past decade, he has raised more than £12,000 through annual challenges.
In his latest feat, he travelled from Inverness to John O’Groats on the north coast on his 23-year-old Suzuki Bandit motorbike before heading south to Lands’ End and then home.
Mr Maciver, who carefully planned the route to ensure it was carried out safely, said: “It was quite hard, as I knew it would be.
“The weather was the worst problem. When I left here to go to John O’Groats in the morning it was pouring, and most of the way back.
“My original plan was to get down to Land’s End and make the longest day the first day, but the weather slowed things, with me having to stop, get changed and put dry stuff on. I was about 120 miles outside Land’s End when I pulled into the services at 10pm at night.”
His luck did not change the next day as the rain continued.
“I’ve never driven in weather like that in my life,” he said. “It was torrential. Traffic was 30mph but there was no point in stopping as it wasn’t getting better.”
Despite the weather, Mr Maciver completed the challenge in just under 44 hours, smashing his £800 target to raise more than £1,200.
Thanking those who supported him, he said: “It makes me very happy that people are willing to donate and it’s a good amount of money that is going to the hospice to help other people.
“There are so many families and people in there and it must be a continuing thing each year, to get out there and raise some money. It’s just lovely to have people behind me.”
Meanwhile, an Aberdeen businessman is preparing to get on a different kind of bike to help cancer sufferers and their families.
Michael Gordon, commercial director at vessel operators North Star, will cycle 300 miles in just two days next month to raise money for Maggie’s.
Mr Gordon will set off from North Star’s headquarters in Aberdeen on June 5, hoping to raise £5,000 for the cancer charity, which will be matched by his work.
The keen cyclist admitted a 300-mile solo cycle is “new territory” for him but praised his family, friends and colleagues for being 100% behind him.
If you’re an aspiring Charity Champion, why not sign up for Sight Action’s sponsored walk in Dingwall on June 3?
Participants can choose one of three routes, ranging from one mile to 10. All money raised will go towards supporting 2,500 people in the Highlands and Western Isles who are blind or partially sighted.
To sign up, call 01463 233663.