A team of cyclists from the Stewart Milne Group who challenged themselves to cycle 730 miles for charity will cross the finish line this week.
As part of the north-east company’s 40th anniversary celebrations, staff from offices around the UK joined together to raise vital funds for three health causes – The ARCHIE Foundation in Aberdeen, Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow, and the Christie Charity in Manchester.
Since peddling off on April 7, the team have been racking up the miles every day as they visit every new Stewart Milne housing development in the country in their “Bike 4 Forty” challenge.
And the squad of eight cyclists will finally cross the finish line this Thursday at the company’s headquarters in Westhill – after raising more than £40,000 which will be split between all three charities.
But before they arrive at HQ, the team will be making a quick pit stop at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital to check in with The ARCHIE Foundation.
One of the cyclists, Gary Milne, said there had been a “fantastic team spirit” at each of their 20 stops from Manchester to Aberdeen.
He added: “It felt like a great opportunity to celebrate themes around passion, commitment and both personal and team achievements.”
The portion of the cash pot which will go to The ARCHIE Foundation will assist the charity in improving the lives of sick children visiting the hospital from across the north and north-east.
Claire Bush, head of fundraising for the charity, said: “What a clever way to celebrate the company’s 40 years in business, involving all the home building offices and raising vitally needed money for three very deserving causes.
“Of course, with the roots of the Stewart Milne Group being here in the north-east and with their long-time support of The ARCHIE Foundation, it is very special to us and we are delighted that they will finish the event here at the hospital next week.
“The money the team is raising will make a very big difference as we are planning a lot of changes over the next two years to help make RACH a world class hospital for today and tomorrow’s sick children and their families.
“We are incredibly grateful to everybody involved.”