A blind cyclist is gearing up for a 25-mile cycle challenge to raise awareness of north-east charity that supported him as he lost his sight.
Former digger driver Bruce Cruickshank lost his vision to Type 1 diabetes in 2010 and initially turned to the North East Sensory Services (Ness) as a service user.
The 32-year-old, from Keith, refused to let his impairment define him and began volunteering with Ness to help other people with visual impairments or deafness in 2012.
Three years on, he is on staff with the charity as a trainee fundraising assistant at Elizabeth House, Elgin.
He was convinced by service volunteer colleague Sandy Comfort to tackle the 15th Glen Moray sportive and bike ride event in tandem on Sunday.
Mr Cruickshank said: “I got a tandem myself when I first lost my sight. When Sandy asked me to do the sportive because of my role at Ness and what the service means to me,
I thought I’d take on the challenge.
“I used to cycle a lot as a youngster, and I drove agricultural machinery for a living. The not driving is the hard bit.
“I understand that I have youth on my side. I understand that everyone is different and their emotions are different when dealing with something like this.
“Losing your sight could happen to anyone a couple of years down the line and you could just sit in the house and listen to the television, but I’m a get-up-and-go type and I like a different challenge, and I’m taking that challenge on.”
Mr Comfort, 63, said: “I’m really looking forward to the day itself, it should be great fun. I’m already a keen cycler, but I’m confident Bruce and I will manage the challenge no problem.”
The cycle route, beginning from Glen Moray Distillery, will take in Burgie, Califer viewpoint, Rafford and Pluscarden.
The event, also featuring a 75-mile and a 10-mile route, will raise funds to help Ness assist over 4,500 people throughout the north-east with severe visual, hearing or deafness impairment.
Organisers enjoyed a record breaking year in 2014, raising £6,673 – the highest ever total to date,