A north-east biker has raised more than £160,000 in a gruelling 15,000-mile ride across Europe to help a local charity buy a permanent base.
Gordon Cruden took part in the Euro Bike Challenge over the last 30 days, crossing 47 countries in aid of the Benaiah residential centre near Mintlaw.
The 48-year-old director of the charity Teen Challenge works at the centre which helps women suffering from addiction.
The organisation currently rents its premises but is seeking to buy the base as a long-term home.
Mr Cruden set off last month and returned over the weekend.
Along the way, he had to contend with lost travel documents, pot holes, and the little matter of being held at gunpoint at the Ukrainian border.
Last night, the motorcycle enthusiast said it had been an incredible experience.
“It really captured the imagination of the bikers around Europe,” he said.
“A lot of them met me at borders and the amount of help I got was great.
“I don’t have the full tally of what we’ve raised so far, but I think it will be well into £170,000.
“The lease of Benaiah finishes in about four-and-a-half years, so we’ve either got to buy the place or move.
“We’ve got buy it, we’re on track, we’ve still got time to raise the money, and there are a few other things I’m planning to do.”
The centre allows mothers to continue living with their children while they complete a 48-week addiction recovery programme.
Paul Beaton, one of Mr Cruden’s colleagues, said the Euro Bike Challenge was about “shining a light on the plight of women trapped in the horror of addiction”.