Cycling enthusiasts from oil giants BP are swapping their trainers for dancing shoes this weekend as part of a fundraising drive to raise £200,000 for four north-east charities.
The Coast 2 Coast ceilidh will take place at the Chester Hotel on Saturday, May 21, with all proceeds split between charities Aberdeenshire North Foodbank, AberNecessities, Camphill School and Maggie’s.
Organised by BP’s Coast 2 Coast cycling team, a group of 65 current and former employees who will ride more than 250 miles from Ayr to Aberdeen in three days over the Queen’s Jubilee weekend.
The BP Coast 2 Coast bike ride has raised around £1.8million for local charities by cycling across Scotland annually since 2008.
£2 million fundraising target
Now in its 13th year, the riders are aiming to hit the £2m total fundraising milestone, with funding from the ceilidh event contributing to the total.
The challenge is open to cyclists of all abilities, with individuals to cover their own accommodation and food costs.
Each cyclist has a fundraising target of £1,000 with participants able to nominate a charity to benefit from the amount raised.
All fundraising money raised by BP employees is matched by the BP Foundation, which will double the value of any contributions.
Maggie’s Aberdeen support
Katie Butler, a senior accounting manager for BP was diagnosed with ocular (eye) cancer in 2019.
As part of her treatment, Katie was supported by Maggie’s in Aberdeen, the charity she will be cycling in aid of as she takes on the challenge for the first time this year.
She said: “While my diagnosis and treatment took place in Glasgow, it was Maggie’s Aberdeen that helped me deal with cancer and to heal.
“What I found at Maggie’s was a beautiful space where I could process my emotions, support for myself and my family and specialist staff who took me from a tearful, fearful person to someone who was able to ask questions and face the answers.
“I’m nervous and excited about the upcoming Coast 2 Coast challenge.
“Cycling with reduced visibility isn’t easy but I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to take part and in doing so I hope to raise awareness of the amazing support offered by the Maggie’s team, who continue to be a lifeline to myself and many others affected by cancer.”
Coast 2 Ceilidh
Tickets for the Coast 2 Coast Ceilidh are £31.85 and can be purchased here.
Band Ceilidh Fusion will be performing and food is included in the ticket price.
There will also be the opportunity to take part in a raffle and other fundraising games on the night, with proceeds being split between the four charities.
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