A group of energy workers have raised thousands of pounds for an appeal to bring a life-saving charity helicopter to the north-east by cycling more than 600 miles in just over two days.
The team of six Asco employees teamed up to relay cycle around 200 miles each from the company’s base in Great Yarmouth to its headquarters in Dyce, Aberdeen.
After departing on Thursday afternoon, they triumphantly crossed the finishing line on Saturday – having accumulatively pedalled about 668 miles in 49 hours, 47 minutes.
The bikers took on the gruelling challenge to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), and the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary-based Friends of Anchor cancer charity.
In total, the team have raised around £4,300 which will be split between both the causes equally – but it is hoped that with additional donations they will reach their target of £5,000, giving each charity a £2,500 boost.
The SCAA, which has one helicopter based in Perthshire, will put the money towards the purchase of a second helicopter – and the Asco team hope it will be located in Aberdeen.
Politicians in the north and north-east have argued the case to bring the life-saving machine to the region, backed by the Press and Journal and people who have received its help.
Stephen Mundie, 51, was one of the Asco cycling team.
He said: “We had a lot of ups and downs, some of the guys got hit by torrential rains coming up the coast late on Thursday, and we had some really tough hills.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have raised so much money for both of these causes, and we’re so grateful to everyone who supported us and donated.”