Charity cyclists hitch a ride on NorthLink Ferry

Monday 24th September 2018

A hugely ambitious NHS charity cycle ride around Scotland has received a boost from NorthLink Ferries, who have announced they will be offering the team travel support.

Paul Gilmour and four nurse colleagues from NHS Ayrshire and Arran are gearing up to undertake a complete lap of Scotland, cycling through all 14 NHS boards as they raise funds for a number of Childrens Cancer Charities. The challenge forms part of the celebrations marking 70 years of the NHS and aims to highlight the diverse nature of the NHS in Scotland.

NorthLink Ferries will be helping the team keep the wheels turning on their challenge as they transport the riders and their support van and driver, from Aberdeen to Shetland and back to Thurso via Orkney this week, ensuring they stay on track to complete their challenge.

Seumas Campbell, Serco’s customer service director at NorthLink Ferries, said: “This is a phenomenal challenge being undertaken for a great cause. We are happy to be providing travel support to help the team keep their costs down – every penny they save means more for charity.

“The NHS does a wonderful job providing a first class service to local communities in Scotland, and we wish the team the very best of luck as they strive to raise awareness of that.”

Cyclist Paul Gilmour, who organised the charity cycle ride, said: “It’s not only the miles that make this a monstrous challenge. The tightly scheduled island hoping, along with the beautiful but formidable hills and glens, makes this a particularly daunting undertaking for those of us with ageing legs.

“We hope the demanding nature of this challenge will help us raise even greater awareness for these extremely worthwhile charities, and highlight the efforts made by the NHS as it strives to deliver treatment and care in the cities and far flung reaches of Scotland.”