Young Farmers raise over £5,000 in Charity A to B Cycle!
On Saturday 21st July a group of 15 tired but smiling SAYFC members pedalled triumphantly into the main ring at Biggar Show to mark the end of their epic A to B Charity Cycle Challenge. This test of endurance had seen the group traverse over 165 miles of Scottish roads and bike lanes, crossing through the three separate SAYFC Regions from point A in Aviemore, all the way to Point B at Biggar Show. Across three days, they battled through tired legs, bike repairs, missed checkpoints and even a snake encounter but all their trials were worth it as on their 14 bikes (there was one tandem) they have been able to raise a fantastic sum for their chosen Charities RSABI and SAYFC.
At the time of writing the total (including gift aid) stands at an impressive
£5,392!
More than tripling their initial target!
The 15 members who completed the challenge were:
Grant Barr, David Black, Ally Brunton, Linsey Campbell, Jane Donald, Chloe Dunlop, April Forest, James Hay, Ewan Lambie, Sally Mair, Aimèe Margrove, Alistair Middleton, Kayleigh Mitchell, Mhairi Watret & Lyndsay Wight.
RSABI’s Chief Executive Carol McLaren extended her heartfelt thanks to the SAYFC Young Farmers on behalf of the charity. She said: “Our sincere thanks go to the 15 resilient cyclists for their brilliant fundraising efforts and to the SAYFC team for kindly choosing to raise funds for RSABI.
“I’m delighted our Chair Jimmy McLean was able to meet them all on arrival at Biggar Show and thank them in person for raising a fantastic sum to help us provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.”
The challenge was spearheaded by SAYFC’s National Finance Chair Aimee Margrove and she had this to say about the group’s success;
“I am extremely proud of the 15 members who completed our ‘SAYFC Cycling A to B’ cycle! I was keen to set a fundraiser that would be challenging, but that would also provide the wellbeing benefits that comes with physical exercise, whilst bringing people together! Team spirits were certainly high when we arrived at Biggar Show – we were tired, but buzzing from making it to the show ring and knowing that we had raised an incredible amount for our charities – so thank you very much to everyone who has supported us it really is greatly appreciated!!”
SAYFC’s National Vice Chair, Ally Brunton– who completed the challenge on a tandem bicycle alongside friend Grant Barr (National Competitions Chair), highlighted the importance of the two chosen charities:
“What an amazing 3 days we had! It was great to see members from across all 3 regions come together to raise vital funds for SAYFC and RSABI. As members, we have all benefited from what SAYFC has to offer, so for us it was about giving back to support the association. The work that RSABI does for our industry is outstanding. It was great motivation for us to complete this challenge, knowing the money raised would be put to good use! It wasn’t an easy challenge cycling from Aviemore to Biggar Show, but as a group we helped each other along the way which was great to see! Another example of how the opportunities available allow you to make friends from all over the country.”
The Cyclists themselves would like to thank the army of friends and family who helped them along the way namely–
–Fraser, Stuart & Colin Campbell of McRostie’s Scotland for driving the trailer & luggage to all the check points.
– West Region Chair, Colin MacKinnon (Colin drove all their bikes up to Aviemore from Dumfries, he also drove a support vehicle on the Saturday.)
– SAYFC Staff Member, Emily Simpson. Emily & her fiat 500 met the cyclists at every break point & was their support throughout the 3 days.
– Aberfeldy YFC members: Jane Kennedy, Yvonne Kennedy, Leanne Corbitt, Chloe Michie & Craig Johnstone for pick-ups on Day 1 & Day 2.
–The Dunlops, of Auchgray Farm – who provided the final stop with refreshments and home baking for the group to refuel.
– Lower Nithsdale YFC for use of their trailer.
– Biggar Show for providing the perfect finishing point in the showring.
And of course, Everyone who has donated and supported!
