Bike challenge to help debt-ridden
manager’s cross-Scotland marathon
Published:
THE manager of a north-east charity is saddling up for a solo fundraising cycle marathon to help local families facing a £10million mountain of debt.
Gordon Rural Action (GRA) provides a lifeline of advice and information services in the north-east, reaching out to more than 7,500 people every year through offices in Ellon, Huntly and Inverurie.
Its initiatives range from a skill-sharer befriending project that trains volunteers to help young people, to a carer project that offers support to those looking after children or relatives.
GRA is also being contacted by growing numbers of families unable to cope with debt. Its specialist team was already coping with people with debts totalling over £10million before the current global crisis hit the financial sector.
Alan Busson, who will mark the charity’s 30th anniversary next week by staging a 777-mile cycle around Scotland, said: “The credit crunch is beginning to really bite. We need to do more than ever, and that means getting the funding to do it.”
Setting out on Wednesday from Stranraer to the Mull of Galloway – the most southerly point in mainland Scotland – the 48-year-old will bike on to Tobermory and Ardnamurchan lighthouse.
He will then pedal on up the Great Glen and will pass through Huntly on October 8, making for Keith Inch at Peterhead. His final challenge will be to tackle the grinding Highland gradients north to Dunnet Head in Caithness, to reach the country’s most northerly mainland point by October 13. “I cycle five miles to work in Huntly from my home at Kinnoir, so this will be a bit more of a challenge,” said the father of three.
Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Busson’s epic effort or make a donation to the charity can get further details on 01466 793676 or e-mail him at alan.busson@gordon rural.org.uk
