A lifelong football fan from Peterhead has raised more than £15,000 in memory of his friends’ stillborn child.
Aberdeen supporter Martin Bagshaw cycled more than 600 miles from his north-east home to Pittodrie stadium – via 15 Scottish football grounds.
The 29-year-old was inspired to take on his mammoth journey after his friends’ baby, Archie, was stillborn on Boxing Day.
Seven months on Mr Bagshaw has returned from his epic ride with a grand total of £15,000 of donations in the bank, and more expected to come in. The money will be donated to Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.
He said: “Well where do I start? What an adventure. Thanks to everyone who donated and supported us all the way to £15,000 for Archie Hay. This was for Archie.”
The world of Scottish Football threw its support behind the story of Archie and his parents, Mark and Lisa Hay. Mr Bagshaw rode laps of honour at several stadiums, and items donated for auction included signed strips from Aberdeen, Hearts, Hamilton, Dundee United, Motherwell and Celtic.
Rangers gave Mr Bagshaw a signed photo of striker Kenny Miller and Partick Thistle provided a signed ball for auction.
Last night Carolyn Bray, Sands’ fundraising manager, said: “This is an extraordinary achievement, and we are delighted and touched that so many football teams have entered into the challenge as well.
“The death of a baby is a devastating experience with lifelong consequences for everyone concerned.
“Here at Sands we provide ongoing help and support for anyone affected by the death of a baby, as well as working to improve the care they receive from health professionals and prevent the loss of further babies’ lives through supporting pioneering research.”