A VOLUNTEER driver from Troon has completed his own Ayrshire to Beatson cycle challenge, raising a £1,145 for a cancer support charityAyrshire Cancer Support.
Bob Faulks cycled every day since January 1 to complete the equivalent of 150 journeys from his home to the Beatson, a total of 5,250 miles – which is further than Troon to Los Angeles in America – in 232 days.
Ayrshire Cancer Support’s September A to B challenge doesn’t start until next month but Bob wanted to help raise awareness of the event due to his close connection to the charity and so got a headstart.
He said: “It started as a personal test to improve my fitness in Covid times, but I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to raise funds, and help the charity get their September A to B challenge started.
“This event is a great way to help Ayrshire Cancer Support raise much needed funds and to boost your own personal cycling fitness. I’ll still be cycling in September and thinking of everyone who gets involved.
“I enjoy volunteering as a driver and get to see how important Ayrshire Cancer Support are in the community so really just wanted to help out wherever I can whether that’s promoting their A to B event or raising money to fund their free services.”
Martin Quigley, community and events fundraising manager at Ayrshire Cancer Support, said: “Every year our volunteer drivers undertake around 12,000 journeys to the Beatson Hospital – taking patients to and from their cancer treatment. Now we are asking the Ayrshire community to take on the Beatson anytime in September and pedal towards a stronger, healthier you.
“Ayrshire Cancer Support, whilst it has a very large remit and delivers over 23,000 supported appointments through our free patient transport, counselling and drop-ins in a normal year, is a very small team.
“We need to generate £2,500 every day, just to keep our free services running as it cost three times more to take a patient to hospital. Due to infection control procedures only one patient can go per car now as opposed to three before Covid, as cancer patients can be immunosuppressed.
“So, we are asking you to get on your bike, like Bob, and fundraise for our volunteer drivers by choosing the distance that is right for you.”
For more, contact 01563 538008 or email fundraising@ayrshirecs.org
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