Two Aberdeen brothers are racking up the miles as they cycle their way through an epic fundraising challenge.
Craig and Lewis Moir are aiming to cycle 10,000 miles each over the course of 12 months to bring in funds and raise awareness of mental health.
Now four months into the challenge they began on November 1 – the 10th anniversary of their father’s death – the pair have covered nearly 3,290 miles – clocking up nearly 200 hours in the saddle.
The first four months took in 120 bike rides, with a total of 193 hours and 45 minutes in the saddle. Those trips included climbs of more than 34,000 metres – and five punctures.
The pair have brought in more than £2,300 so far – 77% of their total target – for Mental Health Aberdeen, Mind and The Scottish Association for Mental Health – and are determined to keep the momentum going.
Lewis said: “I think the greatest challenge for me personally so far has been the early starts, especially when you can hear the wind and rain outside. The weather has been fairly kind so far though, although we had one snowy ride and it wasn’t great. The odd rain shower doesn’t bother me so much.
“Motivation is still high with us both, and through the dark and cold nights we know that we have got a great support team behind us, from family and friends to people who have donated without even knowing us.
“This kindness means a lot and is really helping keep us going through winter. Getting through the first four months has been a great achievement, and I know that if we have managed that then we can do another eight months.”
The pair wanted to do something to take away the stigma and lack of understanding surrounding mental health after losing their father to suicide 10 years ago. They will need to continue to average around 30 miles per day to reach their ambitious target within a year.
Craig added: “As a family we have found it very hard to speak about what happened to our dad. This is our way of doing something to help others who are having difficulties with mental health by raising money for organisations that do so much to support people.
“We are pleased with how much we have raised so far and hope we continue to receive this level of generosity over the next 11 months. While we are out and about we are doing our best to explain to people what services the three charities we support provide and why we have undertaken this challenge. It means a lot to us as a family and we are looking forward to
getting even more mileage in our wheels.”
Astrid Whyte, chief executive of MHA, said the charity was delighted with the pair’s progress so far.
She said: “Fundraising endeavours like this mean a lot to us and make all the difference as we continue to operate our services throughout Aberdeen and the north-east, which range from youth counselling sessions to our Companions Befriending Service.”
To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/teams/10000miles
